Hyperattenuating pulmonary consolidation refers to a region of lung parenchyma with air space opacification that has higher attenuation on CT than muscle or than expected with typical causes of consolidation such as pneumonia (fluid attenuation) or cancer (soft tissue attenuation).
The differential diagnosis for diffusely hyperattenuating consolidation is limited 1-4:
amiodarone lung, although the imaging findings alone do not necessary indicate functional pulmonary toxicity
A 70-year-old man presents with acute chest pain. As part of his evaluation, a portable chest x-ray is obtained. What is the most appropriate next step in managing his pulmonary nodules?
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2. Ceylan N, Bayraktaroglu S, Savaş R, Alper H. CT findings of high-attenuation pulmonary abnormalities. (2010) Insights into imaging. 1 (4): 287-292. doi:10.1007/s13244-010-0039-2 - Pubmed
4. Chai JL, Patz EF. CT of the lung: patterns of calcification and other high-attenuation abnormalities. (1994) AJR. American journal of roentgenology. 162 (5): 1063-6. doi:10.2214/ajr.162.5.8165982 - Pubmed
5. Marchiori E, Franquet T, Gasparetto TD, Gonçalves LP, Escuissato DL. Consolidation with diffuse or focal high attenuation: computed tomography findings. (2008) Journal of thoracic imaging. 23 (4): 298-304. doi:10.1097/RTI.0b013e3181788d39 - Pubmed
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