Childhood Interstitial (Diffuse) Lung Disease: Pattern Recognition Approach to Diagnosis in Infants.

The purpose of this article is to discuss imaging techniques and a pattern-based approach for diagnosing childhood interstitial (diffuse) lung diseases in infants. Childhood interstitial (diffuse) lung disease in infants consists of a heterogeneous group of disorders previously classified with clinical, radiologic, and pathologic features. By use of an imaging-guided algorithm, the assessment of lung volumes and the presence of ground-glass opacities or cysts can assist the radiologist in making an accurate and timely diagnosis.