Lung Patterns Diagnosed on HRCT in Patients with Acute Inflammatory Pulmonary Disease

Abstract

Background: High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) provides detailed visualization of pulmonary parenchymal abnormalities and is the imaging modality of choice for assessing acute inflammatory lung disease. Its ability to delineate consolidation, ground-glass opacity (GGO), and other parenchymal changes enhances diagnostic accuracy and reduces the need for invasive investigations. Objective: To determine the prevalence and distribution of lung patterns on HRCT among patients with acute inflammatory pulmonary disease and to evaluate their relationship with age and gender. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study included 59 adult patients (33 females, 26 males) who underwent HRCT at Services Hospital, Lahore, between January and June 2024. Eligible participants presented with acute respiratory symptoms (<4 weeks) and radiological features of inflammation. HRCT findings were independently reviewed by two radiologists. Data were analyzed using SPSS v25 with χ² and Fisher’s exact tests to assess associations between imaging patterns and demographic factors. Results: The most frequent HRCT findings were bilateral involvement (86.4%), consolidation (55.9%), pleural effusion (47.5%), and GGO (44.1%). No statistically significant associations were found between age or sex and specific HRCT patterns (p>0.05). Conclusion: Consolidation, GGO, and pleural effusion were the dominant HRCT patterns in acute inflammatory pulmonary disease. HRCT remains a crucial non-invasive diagnostic tool for timely identification and management of acute lung inflammation.