The Fleischner Society describes pulmonary cavities as abnormal gas-filled spaces within the lung that are usually associated with a nodule, mass or areas of consolidation and a fluid level may be present1. Plain radiography and computed tomography (CT) form the basis of imaging. The term expresses pathologic anatomy without causative connotation. It is a useful radiologic descriptor; it is not synonymous with abscess, which may exist without cavitation.
The cause of pulmonary cavities is broad and can be present in a wide range of infectious and non-infectious processes. They may develop as a chronic complication of a pulmonary cyst or secondary to cystic degeneration of a pulmonary mass. They may enlarge or involute over time. Pulmonary cavities may be the result of malignancy, infection, inflammation or may be congenital.
In practice, it is not always possible to distinguish a cavity from other air-...
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