Cystic lung disease of trisomy 21 (Down syndrome). [Pulmonary] [XR] [CT]

8 year old with a history of trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) with tachycardia.

Chest x-ray shows prominent interstitial markings and cystic changes throughout the lungs. An atrial septal defect occlusion device is present.

CTs show prominent interstitial markings and ground glass opacities as well as numerous cysts that are predominantly subpleural (peripheral) in location.

Cystic subpleural changes are a known finding of trisomy 21, although with a relatively limited number of reports in the literature. This patient likely also has additional chronic lung disease based on the presence of the interstitial markings and ground glass opacities that may be related to prematurity or prior infectious/inflammatory processes.