Mixed connective tissue disease CT
|
Mixed connective tissue disease Microchapters |
|
Differentiating Mixed connective tissue disease from other Diseases |
|---|
|
Diagnosis |
|
Treatment |
|
Case Studies |
|
Mixed connective tissue disease CT On the Web |
|
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Mixed connective tissue disease CT |
|
Directions to Hospitals Treating Mixed connective tissue disease |
|
Risk calculators and risk factors for Mixed connective tissue disease CT |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Shaghayegh Habibi, M.D.[2]
Overview
CT scan
- Computed tomography may be helpful in early diagnosis of interstitial lung disease.[1]
- In MCTD, the tomographic images may show radiographic abnormalities related to interstitial lung disease and the presence of esophageal dilatation:
- Areas of increased attenuation in which the bronchi and vessels remain visible (ground glass opacities)
- Irregularity of the interfaces between the peripheral pleura and aerated lung parenchyma or small lines perpendicular to the pleura (Interface sign)
- Septal and nonseptal lines (linear opacities)
- Bronchiolectasis or traction bronchiectasis: dilatation of the airways in the peripheral portion of the lungs
- Areas of cystic spaces (diameter <1 cm) with thickened walls (honeycombing)
- Areas of decreased attenuation and air trapping on expiratory computed tomography
- Esophageal dilatation (esophagus may be fluid filled or has an air-fluid level)