Differential Diagnosis
Based on the provided CTA results, the following differential diagnoses can be considered:
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): The presence of airway disease with wall thickening and mild mucus plugging in the lower lobes is consistent with COPD, which is a common condition characterized by chronic inflammation and damage to the airways.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Asthma: Similar to COPD, asthma can cause airway wall thickening and mucus plugging, although it is typically more reversible and associated with allergic or environmental triggers.
- Chronic Bronchitis: This condition is characterized by chronic inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which can lead to airway wall thickening and mucus production.
- Bronchiectasis: A condition where the airways are permanently enlarged, leading to chronic mucus production and airway wall thickening.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Pulmonary Vasculitis: Although the CTA does not show an acute pulmonary embolus, it is essential to consider vasculitis, which can cause chronic inflammation and damage to the pulmonary vessels.
- Sarcoidosis: A systemic disease that can cause granulomatous inflammation in the lungs, which may not be immediately apparent on CTA.
- Lymphangitic Carcinomatosis: A rare condition where cancer spreads to the lymphatic vessels in the lungs, which can cause chronic inflammation and airway wall thickening.
- Rare diagnoses
- Cystic Fibrosis: A genetic disorder that causes chronic respiratory infections and airway damage, although it is typically diagnosed at a younger age.
- Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency: A genetic disorder that can cause COPD-like symptoms and airway damage, although it is relatively rare.
- Relapsing Polychondritis: A rare autoimmune disorder that can cause inflammation and damage to the airways and other cartilaginous structures.