OpenHealth Q&A

Get answered by medical professionals

Understanding CT Scan Findings and Health Concerns

7/9/2025, 2:20:24 AMMale25-34

Subject: Female, 30 years old, with a medical history of psoriatic arthritis, depression, anxiety, and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which involves some liver scarring. Height: 5'2", Weight: 188 lbs, Ethnicity: Caucasian. Drinks socially, typically less than once a week, and does not smoke. Current Medications: Monthly Taltz, weekly tirzepatide (self-administered), daily trazodone (50mg), daily fluoxetine (80mg), and celecoxib (200mg every other day). Hello, r/askdocs! I underwent a CT scan on July 6, 2025, due to abdominal pain, which was later diagnosed as colitis, stemming from inflammation or infection in my lower intestines. Thankfully, I’m feeling significantly better now, although I am on strong antibiotics. After reviewing my imaging results from the CT scan with contrast, I noticed an additional finding: "A ground-glass opacity in the right lower lobe with a surrounding consolidation ring measuring up to 25mm." The report included notes indicating that this finding is nonspecific, suggesting it could be inflammatory or infectious in nature, and it advised clinical correlation. There was also a mention of the potential for cryptogenic organizing pneumonia. I must admit that researching a 25mm ground-glass opacity is quite alarming. I would greatly appreciate any insights you may have on this matter. I intend to discuss this with my rheumatologist during my scheduled appointment next week, considering the association of cryptogenic organizing pneumonia with inflammatory conditions such as arthritis. Is it possible that this finding is connected to the colitis or intestinal infection, or is that unlikely?

ArthritisMultiple SclerosisCrohn's Disease

Answers (1)

Cony

7/9/2025, 2:20:47 AM

OpenHealth AI

It's understandable to feel concerned after receiving information about a ground glass opacity from your CT scan, especially when considering its potential implications. Here’s a breakdown of the key points and some guidance moving forward.

Main Points

  • The finding of a ground-glass opacity (GGO) with a surrounding consolidation in your lung is nonspecific, meaning it can relate to various conditions.
  • It's essential to correlate this finding with your clinical context, particularly given your medical history and current health status.

Explanation

A ground-glass opacity in the lung refers to an area where the lung tissue is less than fully opaque, indicating that something may be affecting it, such as inflammation or infection. In your case, the possible links could include:

  • Infection or inflammation: Since you are currently dealing with colitis and an ongoing antibiotic treatment, it's plausible that any systemic inflammatory response might also manifest in the lungs.
  • Cryptogenic organizing pneumonia (COP): This is a type of lung inflammation which could potentially be related to your other inflammatory conditions, including psoriatic arthritis.

It's good that you're discussing this with your rheumatologist. They can consider your entire health profile in their evaluation.

Next Steps

  1. Continue Monitoring Symptoms: Keep track of any new or worsening symptoms, such as shortness of breath, cough, fever, or chest discomfort. Write them down to share with your rheumatologist.

  2. Prepare for Your Appointment: Consider compiling specific questions and concerns about the CT findings, the potential connections to your colitis, and any recommended follow-up tests (like a repeat scan or pulmonary consultation).

  3. Follow-up on Current Treatment: Ensure that your healthcare provider reviews your response to antibiotics and your overall improvement with colitis symptoms, as this may guide further evaluation of the GGO.

  4. Focus on Self-Care: Continue managing your overall health through your medication regimen and any appropriate lifestyle modifications, such as maintaining a healthy diet and regular physical activity as tolerated.

While it's natural to feel anxious about these findings, many causes of ground-glass opacities can be effectively managed when addressed early and thoroughly. Your healthcare providers will work with you to ensure that any necessary steps are taken to monitor and address potential concerns.

Related Questions

Concerns Regarding Granulocyte Levels and Joint Pain

I’m a woman in my thirties who neither drinks alcohol nor smokes. Recently, I’ve been experiencing persistent pain in my joints, discomfort in my long bones, and a general feeling of fatigue. During a recent visit to urgent care, a complete blood count (CBC) revealed that my immature granulocyte (IG) levels were at 0.4. Additionally, my platelet count was elevated, and my mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) was low. I haven’t had any illnesses, such as a cold, that could explain this inflammation. Since my previous primary care physician has left their practice, I’m hesitant to return to urgent care. I would like to know how concerning my results should be and what specific issues I should discuss with my new primary care provider, especially considering that I’m dealing with daily pain.

ArthritisCrohn's DiseaseRheumatology
Male25-34
3 minutes ago

Concern About a Lump

At 17 years old and designated female at birth, I've been diagnosed with exercise-induced asthma, although I suspect this might not be accurate since my rescue inhaler hasn't provided any relief. For over two months now, I've been experiencing some heart-related issues, with my symptoms becoming increasingly severe. Previously, I was prescribed atomoxetine (60mg daily) and melatonin (5mg nightly), but my primary care physician suggested I discontinue these medications several weeks ago to eliminate them as potential contributors to my new symptoms. I'm still using my albuterol inhaler (90mg as necessary), but I haven’t had to use it for a few months now. I recognize that all of this may not be particularly relevant, but it helps provide context. It’s currently very late—around 2 AM—as I'm writing this, on a note regarding something I noticed yesterday afternoon. I discovered what appears to be a lump on my chin. Initially, I brushed it off, thinking it might just be the beginning of an acne breakout. However, I'm second-guessing that assumption now. At first, it felt warm and tender, but it seems to have grown larger, turned red, and become increasingly painful. Perhaps I'm imagining its growth, but even a friend remarked that it seemed to be getting bigger. The lump feels somewhat firm, although it does shift if I touch it. I plan to include a picture in the comments for reference. I already have a follow-up appointment scheduled for Thursday regarding my heart concerns, and I’m considering mentioning this lump if it’s still present by that time. What do you think?

AsthmaCrohn's DiseaseCOPD
Male25-34
13 minutes ago

Persistent Discomfort in the Chest

I am a 15-year-old female, standing at 5'5" and weighing 105 pounds. I don't engage in smoking, drinking, or using any kind of substances. For about four years now, I have been experiencing discomfort in my chest, located directly over my heart area. The pain is sharp, and it tends to intensify whenever I move my chest in a particular manner or when I lay down. Typically, this sensation lasts for approximately 30 seconds, and I have not noticed any accompanying symptoms. On average, it occurs once or twice weekly. I've consulted with several different doctors during this time, and they have conducted an EKG which showed normal and even outstanding results. Consequently, I chose to overlook it, assuming it wasn’t a matter of significant concern. However, at this moment, the pain persists and has now lasted for over an hour. It flares up whenever I move in certain ways or take a deep breath. This ongoing discomfort is beginning to cause me some anxiety, particularly affecting my ability to sleep. Could anyone shed some light on what might be causing this? Should I be worried? Thank you!

Crohn's DiseaseCOPDInternal Medicine
Male25-34
23 minutes ago

Exploring Methotrexate in the Treatment of Reactive Arthritis

Can methotrexate be beneficial for someone dealing with reactive arthritis? Is this medication intended for lifelong use, or is a brief course sufficient? I'm a 27-year-old male, weighing 70 kilograms and standing at 6 feet, without any other medical conditions, currently experiencing symptoms of reactive arthritis.

ArthritisInternal MedicineEndocrinology
Male25-34
43 minutes ago

Understanding Persistent Reactive Syphilis Results Despite Previous Negatives

I’m a 29-year-old female, standing at 5 feet 5 inches and weighing 71 kilograms. As a non-smoker and currently eight months pregnant, I have no history of syphilis symptoms nor any autoimmune disorders. In terms of sexual history, I have had three partners throughout my life, with my current relationship lasting five years. In a regrettable instance prior to meeting my partner, I engaged in unprotected sex just once, which led to a positive chlamydia test that was promptly treated. Before that, I was in a three-year relationship during which I regularly donated blood without any issues regarding test results. About five years ago, my partner and I donated blood together, and my syphilis test returned inconclusive, while his was clear. We were recommended to visit a sexual health clinic, where subsequent tests confirmed that both of us were free from sexually transmitted infections. However, a year later, when I had additional blood tests for health monitoring, the results indicated a reactive syphilis result from my general practitioner. Further testing again confirmed negative results. Fast forward to this year—now pregnant—I received another reactive VDRL result. Upon retesting, the result was again reactive, which I believe was another VDRL test. Notably, the first time I had a reactive result coincided with receiving a COVID vaccine, and this latest occurrence aligns with having received a whooping cough vaccine three weeks before the blood draw. I plan on requesting further testing regarding the recent VDRL to confirm a negative outcome; however, my midwife appears unconcerned about the results. Is there anyone who might shed light on why I repeatedly receive reactive syphilis results? In summary, I have experienced intermittent reactive syphilis results over the last five years, typically concluding with negative outcomes, though the most recent result has been reactive once more.

Multiple SclerosisFibromyalgiaCrohn's Disease
Male25-34
43 minutes ago