IMPORTANT: We currently have a number of bugs related to image cropping and are actively trying to resolve them. In the meantime, we have disabled cropping. Apologies for any inconvenience. Stay informed: radiopaedia.org/chat

Centrilobular pulmonary emphysema

Case contributed by Bruno Di Muzio
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Former smoker.

Patient Data

Age: 80 years
Gender: Male

CT Chest

ct

Focal lucencies (emphysematous spaces) located centrally within the secondary pulmonary lobule, most of them with a central or peripheral dot representing the central bronchovascular bundle; predominantly located in the upper zones of each lobe.

Case Discussion

Pulmonary emphysema is defined as the "abnormal permanent enlargement of the airspace distal to the terminal bronchioles accompanied by destruction of the alveolar wall and without obvious fibrosis". Centrilobular is by far the most common type encountered, and is a common finding in asymptomatic elderly patients.

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.