Multiple lung parenchymal abnormalities: Don’t panic, let's be pragmatic! The 6 question rule – a checklist strategy

Abstract

Analysis of multiple lung parenchymal abnormalities on HRCT is a real diagnostic challenge. These abnormalities may be due to a disease of the pulmonary interstitial tissue, the bronchial tree, the cardiovascular system or to abnormal alveolar filling with fluid, blood, cells or tumor, several of these etiologies possibly being concomitant. Systematic pathophysiological reasoning, in the form of a logical checklist, guides reflection and covers many of the most frequent diagnoses and potentially treatable emergencies that can be identified by the non-specialist radiologist. This approach also provides a basis for deepening knowledge of each area. The use of the mnemonic FIBROVAKIM (fibrosis-bronchi-vascular-cancer-infection-medication) is easy to apply and summarizes this strategy.