[Chronic pulmonary berylliosis: imaging with high-resolution computerized tomography].

Chronic pulmonary berylliosis presents both in computed tomography, including high resolution techniques, and in plain radiographs of the chest with unspecific results: subpleural micronodular changes, thickening of interlobular septa, occurrence of intralobular septa, traction bronchiectasis, and honeycombing. Conspicuous in high resolution expiratory scans are density inhomogeneities which are interpreted as expiratory obstructions in small airways with ventilation-perfusion mismatches that accompany respiratory partial insufficiency. A differentiation from other pneumoconioses or other interstitial pulmonary diseases is not possible. The significance of CT lies in the exact documentation of the localization and extent of the lesions and in evaluation.