Ground glass

Ground Glass

Ground glass (/graʊnd glɑːs/) is a term used in radiology and medical imaging to describe a specific appearance seen on CT scans and chest X-rays.

Etymology

The term "ground glass" is derived from the appearance of ground or frosted glass, which is translucent but not transparent, similar to the appearance of certain findings in radiological images.

Definition

In radiology, a ground glass opacity (GGO) is a finding seen on CT scans where a part of the lung appears hazy, rather like the appearance of ground glass. This is caused by partial filling of airspaces, interstitial thickening, partial collapse of alveoli, normal expiration, or a combination of these.

Related Terms

• Pulmonary Nodule: A small, roundish growth in the lung that can be a precursor to cancer. Ground glass opacities can sometimes be pulmonary nodules.
• Interstitial Lung Disease: A group of lung diseases affecting the interstitium (the tissue and space around the air sacs of the lungs). Ground glass opacities are often seen in these diseases.
• Pneumonia: An infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. Ground glass opacities can be a sign of pneumonia.
• Bronchiectasis: A condition where the bronchial tubes of your lungs are permanently damaged, widened, and thickened. Ground glass opacities can be seen in bronchiectasis.
• Pulmonary Fibrosis: A lung disease that occurs when lung tissue becomes damaged and scarred. Ground glass opacities can be a sign of pulmonary fibrosis.

See Also

• Radiology
• Computed Tomography
• Chest radiograph
• Pulmonary Nodule
• Interstitial Lung Disease
• Pneumonia
• Bronchiectasis
• Pulmonary Fibrosis

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Ground glass
• Wikipedia's article - Ground glass

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