Are there any radiographic imaging features that help to distinguish the cause of the cystic pattern?
In many cases, the disorders that cause the cystic pattern produce radiographically indistinguishable disease. One notable exception is diffuse bronchiectasis. The cystic spaces caused by bronchiectasis typically produce thick-walled, distinct ring shadows, whereas the other disorders often cause very faint rings (see Box 19-2 for causes of the cystic interstitial pattern). Also, primary cilia dyskinesia is associated with situs inversus, where the internal organs are left-right inverted.
