Subpleural reticulation is a type of reticular interstitial pattern where the changes are typically in a peripheral subpleural distribution (i.e. adjacent to costal pleural surfaces, located ≤1 cm from the pleura according to some publications 4).
Pathology
It can arise in a number of pathological situations as well as in certain physiological situations. These include:
- normal aging 1: can be accompanied by subpleural cysts, independent of smoking history
- conditions resulting in a UIP type pattern 2: usually manifested as bilateral basilar subpleural reticulation, traction bronchiectasis, architectural distortion, and honeycombing
- conditions resulting in the NSIP type pattern 3: often minor subpleural reticulation accompanied by subpleural ground glass with a lack of macrocystic honeycombing