Irregular linear opacities are present in both lungs, especially in the periphery
and the bases of the lungs. The heart is slightly enlarged, but this is not
related to the pulmonary abnormalities in this case.
Extra lines, in addition to the normal vascular markings, are the classic findings
of the linear interstitial pattern.
All four causes of interstitial lines (LIFElines) could produce this appearance.
The peripheral distribution is most typical of fibrosis, but there is no way
to exclude any of the four.
The specimen and its radiograph show irregular cystic spaces and uneven linear walls. This appearance is often called “honeycombing”, and is classic for fibrosis.
