Chest Imaging

Lymphangiectasis, pulmonary

congenital or acquired dilatation of existing and normally formed lymphatic channels of the lung. It is responsible for a purely interstitial pattern of the lung: subpIeural, perilobular, centrilobular, peribronchovascular, bronchial wall and hilar. Congenital pulmonary lymphangiectasis is a neonatal disease, either isolated or associated with congenital cardiac disease producing an elevated pulmonary venous pressure. In children and young adults it may also be seen as a systemic disorder affecting many organs and bones. Acquired lymphangiectasis of the lung may be seen in blockage of the lung lymphatic drainage anywhere in the lung itself, the hilum, the mediastinum and the thoracic duct. Acquired obstructions to the pulmonary venous return and right ventricular failure responsible for either a lymphatic supply to the venous retum or for a stasis of the lymphatic drainage are also lymphangiectatic.

JR - MRJ