Cystic Lung Diseases: A Radiology Primer

Cystic Lung Diseases (CLD) represent a diverse group of lung diseases characterized by the presence of intraparenchymal cysts. The purpose of this review is to provide an imaging primer and a proposed systematic approach to characterizing CLDs based on CT findings.

Over the past decade, there have been tremendous advances in the understanding of pathophysiology and in therapeutic options for CLD. For example, Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is now classified as low-grade metastasizing neoplasm and use of mTOR inhibitors (Sirolimus) has shown some promising results in the management. Providing an appropriate differential for CLD is pivotal for optimizing patient’s treatment.

Management of CLD is a multidisciplinary effort, with imaging playing a vital role. After initially excluding cyst-mimics, the differential diagnosis of CLD can be narrowed based on cyst features, distribution, and ancillary characteristics utilizing the systematic approach provided herein.