Picture Diagnosis
Answer: Septic pulmonary embolism (SPE)
Note following features
- Round or wedge-shaped multiple peripheral opacities
- Usually measure approximately 1-3 cm in diameter,
- Frequently cavitated
- Well-defined or poorly defined margins
Findings on CXR tend to be nonspecific, CT may yield helpful clues that may suggest the diagnosis of SPE. Parenchymal lesions related to SPE are usually multiple and nodular with a peripheral distribution and a tendency for cavitation. “Feeding vessel” sign (a vessel leading to a peripheral lung lesion) is described as a characteristic feature of SPE, but is not always present.
