Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: July 4, 2025 • View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

Differential Diagnosis for Patchy Lung Infiltrate in Chest X-ray

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Pneumonia: This is the most common cause of a patchy lung infiltrate, often due to bacterial, viral, or fungal infections. The presentation can vary from mild to severe, depending on the causative agent and the patient's immune status.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Acute Bronchitis: Inflammation of the bronchial tubes can lead to patchy infiltrates, especially if there is associated bronchopneumonia.
  • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Exacerbation: Patients with COPD can develop patchy infiltrates during exacerbations, which may be due to infection or air pollution.
  • Pulmonary Edema: Cardiogenic or non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema can cause patchy infiltrates, often with a more central distribution in cardiogenic cases.
  • Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD): Certain types of ILD, such as cryptogenic organizing pneumonia or nonspecific interstitial pneumonia, can present with patchy lung infiltrates.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Pulmonary Embolism: Although typically presenting with more focal deficits, some cases of pulmonary embolism can cause patchy infiltrates, especially if there is associated infarction.
  • Tuberculosis: Both pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis can present with patchy lung infiltrates, and it's crucial to consider this diagnosis, especially in endemic areas or in immunocompromised patients.
  • Fungal Infections: In immunocompromised patients, fungal infections like invasive aspergillosis or pneumocystis pneumonia can cause patchy infiltrates and are critical to diagnose early due to their high mortality rate.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Eosinophilic Pneumonia: A rare condition characterized by the accumulation of eosinophils in the lungs, which can cause patchy infiltrates.
  • Lymphangitic Carcinomatosis: Metastatic cancer to the lymphatics of the lung can cause patchy infiltrates, often with a more reticular pattern.
  • Alveolar Proteinosis: A rare disease characterized by the accumulation of surfactant-like protein and phospholipids in the alveoli, leading to patchy infiltrates.
  • Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis: A rare disorder that can cause patchy lung infiltrates, often in the context of multisystem disease.

Related Questions

What is the diagnosis and treatment for Trichilemmoma?
What is the treatment for a local reaction to a vaccine?
What percentage of individuals with acute ischemic stroke receive thrombolytic therapy when they arrive at an emergency room within three hours?
What is the treatment for altered mental status due to vitamin E deficiency with low serum beta-tocopherol levels?
What is the best anticoagulant regimen for a patient with a history of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Pulmonary Embolism (PE) who has failed treatment with heparin and Eliquis (apixaban)?

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.

Ask Question