Q: The “crazy-paving” pattern on computed tomography (CT) of the lungs is diagnostic of alveolar proteinosis?

A) True
B) False


Answer: B

Though “crazy-paving” pattern on computed tomography (CT) of the lungs is a 'buzzword" for alveolar proteinosis but it can be seen in other disease processes in infectious, neoplastic, idiopathic, inhalational, and other disorders of the lung. Contrary to popular belief, it is not diagnostic of  alveolar proteinosis. 

Crazy paving is characterized as scattered or diffuse ground-glass attenuation with superimposed interlobular septal thickening and intralobular lines.