Differential Diagnosis for Focal Ground-Glass Opacity (GGP) with Interlobular Septal Thickening
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Pulmonary Edema: This condition is characterized by the accumulation of fluid in the lungs, which can cause ground-glass opacities and interlobular septal thickening on imaging. The focal nature of the findings could be due to localized edema.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Pneumonia: Certain types of pneumonia, especially those caused by atypical organisms or viral infections, can present with ground-glass opacities. Interlobular septal thickening can occur due to the spread of infection along the septa.
- Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS): While often more diffuse, ARDS can present with focal ground-glass opacities and interlobular septal thickening, especially in its early stages.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Pulmonary Embolism with Infarction: Although less common, pulmonary embolism can cause focal ground-glass opacities if there is associated infarction. Interlobular septal thickening can be seen due to hemorrhage or edema.
- Malignancy: Certain lung malignancies, such as lymphangitic carcinomatosis, can cause interlobular septal thickening and ground-glass opacities. Missing this diagnosis could have significant implications for patient management and prognosis.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Lymphoid Interstitial Pneumonia (LIP): A rare condition characterized by infiltration of the lung interstitium by lymphoid cells, which can cause ground-glass opacities and interlobular septal thickening.
- Alveolar Proteinosis: A rare disease characterized by the accumulation of surfactant-like protein and phospholipids in the alveoli, leading to ground-glass opacities on imaging. Interlobular septal thickening can also be present.