Interstitial Pulmonary Emphysema in Children and Adults: Roentgenographic Features

Abstract

Chest films of 12 patients ranging in age from 3 to 55 years with autopsy-verified interstitial pulmonary emphysema (IPE) were reviewed. All had received positive pressure breathing. Opacification of the lungs due to edema, hemorrhage, or pneumonia often made IPE visualization possible. Diagnostic radiographic features include direct visualization of interstitial air, and the appearance of subpleural air cysts formed by continued dissection of interstitial air into the subpleural connective tissues. Recognition of IPE is of importance because it may directly impair pulmonary ventilation and perfusion and may be followed by development of pneumomediastinum, pneumothorax, and secondary infection.