Analysis of CT features of pulmonary sarcoidosis

Objective: To investigate the CT features of pulmonary sarcoidosis. Methods: Ninety patients with histologically proved pulmonary sareoidosis were retrospectively studied by using CT scans and clinical recording. Results: The main CT findings of pulmonary sarcoidosis were nodules which were seen in 69 cases (76.7%), and the nodules mostly distributed around the bronchovascular bundle (n=37, 41.1%). Other abnormalities included consolidation (n=31, 34.4%), ground-grass (n=39, 43.3%), thickening of bronchovascular bundle (n=30, 33.3%), interlobular septal lines (n=58, 64.4%), fibrosis (n=17, 18.9%) including bronchial distortion (n=8, 8.9%), linear shadow (n=5, 5.6%), and honeycombing shadow (n=4, 4.4%), air-trapping (n=3, 3.3%), bronchial straitness (n=8, 8.9%), pleural thickening (n=42, 46.7%), and hilar and mediastinal adenopathy (n=76, 84.4%). Two or more abnormal findings co-existed in 83 cases. The pulmonary lesions co-existed with hilar and mediastinal adenopathy in 76 cases. The nodules (n=25), consolidation (n=9), ground-grass (n=11), thickening of bronchovascular bundle (n=10) were improved after therapy. Ten cases of the interlobular septal (10/22), 0 of bronchial distortion (0/4), 1 case of diffuse linear (1/3), and 0 ease of honeycombing (0/2) were improved. Conclusion: CT manifestations of pulmonary sarcoidosis are varied, but has some specific radiographic features. A correct diagnosis can be made. combined with hilar and mediastinal adenopathy. (authors)