Chest X Ray - Four Patterns
Chest X Ray - Four Patterns Lung abnormalities with an increased density - also called opacities - are the most common. A practical approach is to divide these into four patterns: Consolidation Interstitial Nodules or masses Atelectasis Whenever you see an area of increased density within the lung, it must be the result of one of these four patterns. Consolidation - any pathologic process that fills the alveoli with fluid, pus, blood, cells (including tumor cells) or other substances resulting in lobar, diffuse or multifocal ill-defined opacities. Interstitial - involvement of the supporting tissue of the lung parenchyma resulting in fine or coarse reticular opacities or small nodules. Nodule or mass - any space occupying lesion either solitary or multiple. Atelectasis - collapse of a part of the lung due to a decrease in the amount of air in the alveoli resulting in volume loss and increased density.