Lung Hyperlucency: A Clinical-Radiologic Algorithmic Approach to Diagnosis

Chest. 2020 Jan;157(1):119-141. doi: 10.1016/j.chest.2019.06.037. Epub 2019 Jul 26.

Abstract

Areas of diminished lung density are frequently identified both on routine chest radiographs and chest CT examinations. Colloquially referred to as hyperlucent foci of lung, a broad range of underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms and differential diagnoses account for these changes. Despite this, the spectrum of etiologies can be categorized into underlying parenchymal, airway, and vascular-related entities. The purpose of this review is to provide a practical diagnostic algorithmic approach to pulmonary hyperlucencies incorporating clinical history and characteristic imaging patterns to narrow the differential.

Keywords: airway; lung hyperlucency; parenchymal; pulmonary hyperlucency; vascular.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms
  • Artifacts
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Lung Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Lung Diseases / physiopathology
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed*