What are alveolar growth disorders, and what is their CT appearance?
Alveolar growth disorders are those caused by entities that limit alveolarization of the lung. Prenatal causes include congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), abdominal wall defects, neuromuscular disorders, and chromosomal disorders. The most common postnatal cause is chronic lung disease of prematurity from prolonged intubation. Chest x-ray findings are often nonspecific but may show areas of air trapping and lucency in the lungs. Because of lobular simplification in the lungs, CT may show areas of decreased attenuation and decreased internal architecture in the lung parenchyma.
