Which diagnosis is associated with a 'Patchy infiltrate'?

A patchy infiltrate on imaging typically indicates the presence of various forms of pulmonary pathology characterized by irregular or uneven areas of opacity within the lung fields. In the case of atelectasis, this condition results from the collapse of lung tissue, leading to regions that may appear denser (darker) or patchy on an X-ray due to the lack of air in these areas.

Each type of lung condition manifests differently. While pulmonary embolism can lead to changes in lung vasculature, it does not typically present as a patchy infiltrate. Tuberculosis may show cavitary lesions or alveolar infiltrates but is more distinctly identified by its patterns rather than just patchy infiltrate alone. Pulmonary edema is characterized by a more diffuse opacity rather than distinctly patchy areas, often showing a "butterfly" pattern or kerley lines on imaging. Hence, atelectasis is the diagnosis most closely associated with the patchy infiltrates on imaging, aligning with the definition and presentation seen in pulmonary radiologic assessments.