Miliary Lung Pattern: Invoking a Classic Radiological Finding

Julián Rondón-Carvajal

Assistant Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Antioquia. Medellín, Colombia

Dr. Julián Rondón-Carvajal, Assistant Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Antioquia. Medellín, Colombia.

Keywords: Centrolobular; Perilymphatic

Abstract

The micronodular lung pattern is defined radiologically as the presence of multiple nodules of less than 3 mm in size distributed diffusely and bilaterally. Three types of distribution patterns are distinguished in relation to the secondary lung lobule: centrolobular, perilymphatic and random [1]. By accompanying these findings with the appropriate clinical context, the differential diagnosis can be narrowed considerably. From a historical perspective, it has been termed a miliary pattern in the context of tuberculosis results from a massive lymphohematogenous dissemination of Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacilli, characterised by tiny tubercles evident on gross pathology resembling millet seeds in size and appearance. The global HIV/AIDS pandemic and widespread use of immunosuppressive drugs and biologicals have altered the epidemiology of miliary TB [2].

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