Miliary lung disease revisited

Abstract

This article reviews the high-resolution computed tomography imaging features of miliary pattern, a characteristic radiologic manifestation of diffuse micronodular lung disease. The most common entities with this pattern are miliary tuberculosis, pneumoconiosis, sarcoidosis, metastases, and hypersensitivity pneumonia. According to the distribution of the nodules in relation to the secondary lobule, high-resolution computed tomography findings divide miliary patterns into 3 groups: centrilobular, perilymphatic, and random presentation. The radiologic features that help in the differential diagnosis are discussed.