Differential Diagnosis for Inter and Intraseptal Thickening with GGO and RUL Mass
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Infectious Pneumonia: This is a common cause of inter and intraseptal thickening, ground-glass opacification (GGO), and masses in the lung, particularly in the right upper lobe (RUL). Pneumonia can cause inflammation and consolidation that leads to these radiographic findings.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Lymphangitic Carcinomatosis: This condition, which involves the spread of cancer to the lymphatic vessels of the lung, can cause inter and intraseptal thickening and GGO. A mass in the RUL could be a primary tumor or metastasis.
- Sarcoidosis: A systemic granulomatous disease that can affect the lungs, causing inter and intraseptal thickening, GGO, and masses due to granulomatous inflammation.
- Pulmonary Edema: Can cause inter and intraseptal thickening and GGO due to fluid accumulation in the lungs, and a RUL mass could be due to other causes like infection or malignancy.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Pulmonary Embolism with Infarction: Although less common, a pulmonary embolism can cause a mass-like lesion in the lung (infarction) and can be associated with inter and intraseptal thickening due to pulmonary hemorrhage or edema. This is a potentially life-threatening condition.
- Tuberculosis: Especially in endemic areas, tuberculosis can cause a wide range of pulmonary findings, including masses, GGO, and inter and intraseptal thickening. It's crucial not to miss this diagnosis due to its public health implications and the need for specific treatment.
Rare Diagnoses
- Lymphoma: Primary or secondary lymphoma of the lung can cause masses, GGO, and inter and intraseptal thickening, although it is less common than other diagnoses.
- Eosinophilic Pneumonia: A rare condition characterized by eosinophilic infiltration of the lungs, which can cause inter and intraseptal thickening, GGO, and masses.
- Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis: A rare disease characterized by the accumulation of surfactant-like protein and phospholipids in the alveoli, leading to GGO and inter and intraseptal thickening, but less commonly associated with a distinct mass.