Overview

Cystic Lung Disease

Cystic lung disease refers to a group of conditions characterized by the presence of air- or fluid-filled sacs (cysts) within the lungs. These cysts may be the primary feature of certain diseases or occur as part of other underlying conditions.

Cystic lung disease can be:

• Genetic (inherited)
• Acquired over time
• Associated with other lung or systemic diseases

Examples of conditions that can cause cystic lung disease include:

• Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM)
• Pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis
• Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome
• Lymphoid interstitial pneumonia

Some patients may have mild disease with minimal symptoms, while others may experience progressive lung impairment.