Diffuse cystic lung disease

Diffuse cystic lung disease represents a diverse group of uncommon disorders, which are characterized by cystic change in every lobe of the lung. They're usually chronic onset, and each disease has its distinct epidemiology and manifestation. Knowledge of diffuse cystic lung disease has increased in the past decade with the widespread use of high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) imaging. The size, shape and distribution of the cysts as well as other associated findings offer useful information on diagnosis. The main diseases that are discussed in this review are lymphangioleiomyomatosis, pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis, Birt-Hogg-Dub? syndrome and lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia. By using the images of the HRCT and incorporating the patient's clinical history, physical examination and laboratory findings, it likely makes a confident and accurate diagnosis without the need for surgical lung biopsy. Due to the rarity of cystic lung diseases, more research needs to be done to have better understanding of their pathophysiology and prognosis. ? 2020 Society of Internal Medicine of Taiwan. All rights reserved.