Johnson T H, Tytle T L, Cooke R E
South Med J. 1984 Sep;77(9):1136-8. doi: 10.1097/00007611-198409000-00021.
During a 36-month period, the serial chest x-ray films of 26 patients with the adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) were evaluated for the patterns of onset, course, and follow-up appearance when possible. An exudative phase appearance can be recognized, which can clear. The exudative phase appearances are (1) a bilateral, homogeneous, white-out alveolar appearance; (2) an asymmetric consolidative appearance; and (3) a central perihilar ("bat-wing") consolidative appearance. This progresses to a proliferative phase manifested on chest x-ray film as an interstitial appearance that must not be confused with fibrosis, as the chest x-ray film may return to normal.
