What Does 'Coarsening Of Interstitial Markings Lung Bases Without Confluent Consolidation'mean?

Posted on Fri, 14 Feb 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 14 Feb 2014 Answered on

Thu, 6 Mar 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : hello i have an xray result and would like some clarification if possible it states on there Coarsening of interstitial markings lung bases without confluent consolidation or pleural effusion. What does this mean

Answered by Dr. Sudhir (17 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Means inflammation or interstitial thickening. Detailed Answer: Hello, This is nonspecific finding; so doesn't indicate one particularly cause or diagnosis. It is generally seen with lung inflammation without pneumonia. Other important cause is previous infections or inflammation which lead to thickening of fine lung septae. As such this doesn't need any special treatment. You can be treated with symptom control medicines if you are symptomatic; else you need not be concerned. I would order for a CT scan to rule out interstitial thickening only if it is progressing or causing significant symptoms. Hope this helps. Please ask if there are doubts. Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad