GROUND-GLASS
OPACITY
Ground-glass opacity is a
non-specific term that refers to the presence of increased hazy opacity within
the lungs that is not associated with obscured underlying vessels (obscured underlying
vessels is known as consolidation). It can reflect minimal thickening of the septal
or alveolar interstitium, thickening of alveolar walls, or the presense of cells
or fluid filling the alveolar spaces. In an acute setting, it can represent active
disease such as pulmonary edema, pneumonia, or diffuse alveolar damage.
