Parenchyma consolidation

Lungs, parenchyma - cavitation Lungs, parenchyma - consolidation Lungs, parenchyma - infiltrates [7]... 

Akira et al. examined initial and follow-up CT scans in 40 patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis (95). Predominantly nodular or multiple large nodules disappeared or decreased in size at follow-up. A conglomeration pattern shrank and evolved into bronchial distortion and decline in FEVi/FVC ratio. Interestingly, GGO and consolidation evolved into honeycombing in some patients. Because sarcoidosis has the potential to evolve over time, initial CT features have limited prognostic value (76). However, certain CT features have predictive value. Focal nodules, alveolar opacities, consolidation, or GGO suggest an active inflammatory component that may reverse with therapy (76,85,96). In contrast, distortion of lung parenchyma, coarse or hnear bands, bronchiectasis, cystic radiolucencies, and bullae reflect irreversible fibrosis (78,79,85,96). 

Pulmonary function testing usually discloses a mild-to-moderate restrictive ventilatory defect, moderately reduced carbon monoxide difiusion capacity, and mild-to-moderate hypoxemia (2-6,9,16). Severe hypoxemia may occasionally occur due to a right-to-left blood shunt through densely consolidated lung parenchyma (72). Airflow obstruction is found in a minority of cases, usually smokers (2), and probably reflects preexisting chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. 

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