Ground-glass opacity

Ground-glass opacity is a term used in radiology to describe a specific appearance seen on CT scans of the lung. It is characterized by a hazy opacity that does not obscure the underlying bronchial structures or pulmonary vessels, giving the lung a ground-glass appearance.

Chest CT with reversed halo sign

Definition

Ground-glass opacity is a radiological term used to describe an area of increased attenuation in the lung on an imaging study. The term is derived from the characteristic appearance of a piece of ground glass, which is translucent but not transparent, just like the affected areas in the lung.

Causes

Ground-glass opacity can be caused by various pathological conditions, including infection, inflammation, fibrosis, pulmonary edema, and neoplasia. It can also be a normal variant, especially in the setting of subsegmental atelectasis or increased blood flow to a part of the lung.

Clinical significance

The clinical significance of ground-glass opacity depends on the underlying cause. In some cases, it may be a sign of a serious condition such as lung cancer or interstitial lung disease. In other cases, it may be a transient finding that resolves without treatment.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of ground-glass opacity is usually made by a radiologist based on the appearance of the lung on a CT scan. Further diagnostic tests may be needed to determine the underlying cause of the opacity.

Treatment

The treatment of ground-glass opacity depends on the underlying cause. In some cases, no treatment may be needed. In other cases, treatment may involve antibiotics, steroids, or other medications. In severe cases, surgery may be needed.

See also

• Radiology
• Computed tomography
• Lung cancer
• Interstitial lung disease