Correct!
4. The chest CT shows regression in much of the peripheral consolidation and lymphadenopathy, but some new areas of ground-glass opacity have developed
The repeat chest CT shows that the previous areas of multifocal consolidation and ground-glass opacity in the peripheral aspects of the upper, mid, and lower lungs have regressed significantly, as has the mediastinal lymph node enlargement, but ground-glass opacity now occupies some previously consolidated areas and has also appeared is some areas of previously involved lung. No pleural abnormalities are present. The changes between the presentation (Figure 2) and follow up (Figure 3) CTs are illustrated in Figure 4.
Figure 4. Comparison of presentation chest CT and follow up CT 86 days later. The presentation chest CT (A-D) shows multifocal areas of ground-glass opacity and consolidation (arrows A and D), with these parenchymal abnormalities resolving to pure ground-glass opacity on the follow up chest CT (Arrows, E and F). Note, however, that medial right and left upper lobe opacity at the presentation chest CT (arrowheads, B) resolves completely (F), but that new peripheral ground-glass opacity has developed on the follow up study (double arrowhead, F) in a previously unaffected region of lung. Similarly, new peripheral ground-glass opacity has developed in the right middle and lower lobe (double arrowheads, G) and the follow up CT.
The patient reported feeling well.
Which of the following courses of action is the most appropriate next step for the management of this patient? (Click on the correct answer to be directed to the seventh of twelve pages)