Which term is associated with fluffy infiltrates in a radiology diagnosis?

The term associated with fluffy infiltrates in radiology diagnosis is pulmonary edema. Fluffy infiltrates on a chest X-ray typically indicate the presence of interstitial fluid in the lungs, which is a hallmark of pulmonary edema. This condition can arise from various causes, such as congestive heart failure, where fluid accumulates in the alveoli or interstitial spaces, leading to a characteristic appearance on imaging.

Pulmonary edema appears as diffuse, fluffy opacities that can obscure the vascular markings of the lungs, and occasionally can take on a "butterfly" pattern centrally, which radiologists look for when diagnosing this condition. Recognition of this pattern is critical, as it signals the need for prompt management of the underlying cause to prevent further complications.

While pneumonia may also show infiltrates on an X-ray, the infiltrates typically have a more localized appearance and are often associated with consolidation rather than the diffuse, fluffy nature of pulmonary edema. Atelectasis would present with volume loss and may cause a more defined opacity rather than a fluffy appearance. ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome) can present similarly to pulmonary edema on imaging, but it often involves more pronounced bilateral infiltrates rather than the fluffy infiltrates specifically associated with pulmonary edema.