Chronic diffuse infiltrative lung diseases

This paper compares the diagnostic accuracy of high-resolution CT (HRCT) with that of conventional CT and to determine the diagnostic utility of the assessment of disease distribution within the secondary lobule. Without knowledge of clinical or pathologic data, two reviewers independently assessed, in random order, three separate sets of examinations: three HRCT scans; the corresponding 10-mm scans; and complete conventional CT scans of 75 patients with proved disease. Observers gave the most likely diagnosis and their degree of diagnostic confidence. The correct first- choice diagnosis was made in 71% of cases in each of the three sets of examinations. Confidence level 1 (definite) was reached in 49% of HRCT scans, 31% of corresponding 10-mm scans, and 43% of complete conventional CT scans, with the correct diagnosis made in 92%, 96%, and 94% of those readings, respectively