Granulomatous Lymphocytic Interstitial Lung Disease (GL-ILD): CT Imaging Features and Clinical Findings to Expedite a Timely Diagnosis

Abstract

Background: Establishing a diagnosis of Granulomatous Lymphocytic-Interstitial Lung Disease (GL-ILD) is difficult due to the overlapping CT imaging and histologic features, and are often confused with infection, sarcoidosis and/or follicular bronchiolitis. Research Question: Identify specific CT imaging features and clinical characteristics to suggest a confident diagnosis of Granulomatous Lymphocytic-Interstitial Lung Disease (GL-ILD).Study Design and Methods: IRB-approved retrospective case series study involving the review of the electronic medical record and CT chest imaging of eight patients with GL-ILD.Results: Bronchocentric airway-centered lower lobe predominant (part solid nodules more common than ground glass or solid nodules) ranging from 5 to 10 mm in size were found consistently in a majority of the eight patients with GL-ILD. Interpretation: In combination with the above pulmonary nodular pattern, mediastinal and hilar lymphadenopathy in conjunction, either splenomegaly or splenectomy and/or abdominal lymphadenopathy are excellent CT imaging features to prospectively suggest the diagnosis of GL-ILD in a patient with CVID.