Pitfalls in high-resolution computed tomography of the lung

HRCT has proved to be a valuable modality for the imaging of a broad spectrum of pulmonary conditions. However, numerous pitfalls may be encountered when employing this technique. Artifacts may be related to the technical parameters of the scan acquisition or be caused by such patient factors as respiratory and cardiac motion. Abnormalities that are of vascular origin often result in an HRCT appearance that mimics an infiltrative process. HRCT is currently indicated for the assessment of patients with known or suspected chronic infiltrative lung disease. HRCT is also useful in the evaluation of acute diffuse lung disease in immunocompromised or immunocompetent patients. Bronchiectasis and other diseases of small airways such as bronchiolitis obliterans are accurately assessed with HRCT. Awareness of potential diagnostic pitfalls and artifacts is essential to avoid errors in the interpretation of HRCT scans.