Chest | ct
Ground-Glass Opacity
Ground-glass opacity is a descriptive radiology term for hazy increased density in the lung. It is not a diagnosis by itself. It can be seen with infection, inflammation, fluid, scarring, hemorrhage, or some persistent lung lesions.
Ground-glass opacity is a hazy area in the lung seen on CT that does not fully hide the lung structures underneath.
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What it means
Ground-glass opacity is a descriptive radiology term for hazy increased density in the lung. It is not a diagnosis by itself. It can be seen with infection, inflammation, fluid, scarring, hemorrhage, or some persistent lung lesions.
Also seen as: ggo, ground glass change.
How common it is
Ground-glass opacity is a common chest CT term, but its importance depends on pattern and persistence.
Common descriptive chest CT term
Ground-glass opacity appears in many chest CT reports because it describes a pattern, not a single diagnosis.
Common causes
- Infection or inflammation
- Pulmonary edema or hemorrhage
- Atelectatic or reactive change
- A persistent lesion needing closer evaluation
When doctors worry
- The opacity persists or grows
- A solid component develops
- There are concerning associated findings or severe symptoms
Typical follow-up
- Interpret the finding together with symptoms
- Repeat CT in selected cases
- Use pattern and change over time to guide next steps
Example report wording
Patchy ground-glass opacity in the right lower lobe.
See phrase explanationPersistent ground-glass nodule, interval follow-up recommended.
See phrase explanation
Common report phrases linked to this finding
Acute pulmonary embolism in the right lower lobe pulmonary artery.
"Acute pulmonary embolism in the right lower lobe pulmonary artery." is radiology report language linked to pulmonary embolism and is best understood in the context of the full imaging report.
Patchy ground-glass opacity in the right lower lobe.
"Patchy ground-glass opacity in the right lower lobe." is radiology report language linked to ground-glass opacity and is best understood in the context of the full imaging report.
Persistent ground-glass nodule, interval follow-up recommended.
"Persistent ground-glass nodule, interval follow-up recommended." is radiology report language linked to ground-glass opacity and is best understood in the context of the full imaging report.
Frequently asked questions
Does ground-glass opacity mean pneumonia?
Not necessarily. It is a descriptive term with several possible causes.
Why might follow-up imaging be suggested?
Follow-up helps determine whether the finding resolves, stays stable, or changes.
Related symptom guides
These educational symptom pages explain search-intent questions that often overlap with this finding.
Clear medical disclaimer
Educational information only. Always consult your clinician for medical advice.
This page is educational only and should be used to understand report language, not to diagnose a condition or replace clinician review.
Sources
Sources and medical review process
RadDx finding pages are written for patient education using consumer-friendly radiology references, plain-language terminology resources, and cautious summary review of common imaging follow-up frameworks.
- Reviewed by
- RadDx Editorial Team
- Last reviewed
- March 10, 2026
- RadiologyInfo.org
RSNA and ACR
- MedlinePlus
U.S. National Library of Medicine
- NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms
National Cancer Institute
Sources are used for patient education context and terminology support. They do not replace clinician review of your individual report.
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