Lung Hyperlucency - A Clinical-Radiologic Algorithmic Approach to Diagnosis

Abstract Areas of diminished lung density are frequently identified both on routine chest radiographs and chest CT examinations. Colloquially referred to as “hyperlucent” foci of lung, a broad range of underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms and differential diagnoses account for these changes. Despite this, the spectrum of etiologies can be categorized into underlying parenchymal, airway and vascular related entities, respectively. The purpose of this review is to provide a practical diagnostic algorithmic approach to pulmonary hyperlucencies incorporating clinical history and characteristic imaging patterns to narrow the differential.