II. Pathophysiology
- Infiltrates of fluid density within the air spaces (Bronchioles, alveoli)
- Appears as white, opacified lung (Lung Consolidation)
- Pulmonary vessels are obscured (contrast with Interstitial Infiltrate)
III. Signs
- Segmental distribution of Pulmonary Infiltrate
- Coalescence of infiltrates
- Fluffy margins
- Air Bronchograms
- Rosette Patterns
- Silhouetting of normal structures
- Normal margins (e.g. right heart border) are obscured by infiltrate
IV. Causes
- Pulmonary Edema (e.g. CHF, alveoli filled with serous fluid)
- Pulmonary Hemorrhage (e.g. Vasculitis, alveoli filled with blood)
- Pneumonia (alveoli filled with pus)
- Amyloidosis (alveoli filled with Protein)
- Bronchoalveolar carcinoma (alveoli filled with cancer cells)
- Alveolar microlithiasis (alveoli filled with Calcium)