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Lymphangitis carcinomatosis

Case contributed by Frank Gaillard
Diagnosis certain

Chest

x-ray

Diffuse pulmonary interstitial thickening with nodularity, which appears more prominent in the right lower lobe. 

Chest

ct

Thickened interlobular septa outline secondary pulmonary lobules. Note the right mastectomy.

Case Discussion

Chest x-ray in a 60 year old woman with a previous history of breast carcinoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and MALToma, demonstrates extensive reticular opacities throughout both lungs, best seen on the right. 

CT confirms the abnormality as being largely confined to the interlobular septa which are thickened and irregular.

Findings are consistent with lymphangitis carcinomatosis.

Case courtesy of Bob Cook, MD. Western Memorial Regional Hospital Corner Brook, Newfoundland.

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