OBJECTIVE: To describe high-resolution computed tomography findings in several diseases that run their course with the "crazy-paving" pattern. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study has evaluated seven patients with diagnoses of alveolar proteinosis, bronchioloalveolar carcinoma, lipoid pneumonia and pneumocystosis, correlating tomographic and pathological findings. RESULTS: In the cases of pneumocystosis, the alveolar spaces were filled with foamy material where parasitic organisms intermingled with surfactants, fibrin and cell debris were observed. In the cases of bronchioloalveolar carcinoma, the septa were thickened by associated fibrosis or lymphangitis, with the alveolar walls internally lined with tumor cells, and production of mucus. In the patient with alveolar proteinosis, the septa were thickened by edema, with alveolar filling determined by lipoprotein. In the patient with mineral oil aspiration, the histopathological findings included alveolar septa thickening caused by cell proliferation, with presence of fat vacuoles in alveolar septa. CONCLUSION: The crazy-paving pattern offers a wide range of differential diagnoses and must be evaluated in conjunction with clinical findings.
Computed tomography; Crazy-paving pattern; Pathology; Lung diseases
