<![CDATA[Pulmonary cavities are an important radiological finding in various infectious and non‑infectious diseases. Infection‑related cavities are usually associated with tuberculosis (TB), non‑tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infection, chronic pulmonary aspergillosis, and echinococcosis, each with distinct mechanisms of formation and radiologic patterns. In TB and NTM, tissue necrosis and bronchiectasis lead to the formation of cavitary spaces that serve as reservoirs for organisms with a high burden and facilitate transmission. Residual cavities may then undergo secondary colonization by Aspergillus spp, resulting in a spectrum of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis with findings such as aspergilloma and thick‑walled cavities. Echinococcus forms cysts that, when ruptured, can appear as cavitary lesions with the “water lily” sign, adding yet another differential diagnosis for pulmonary cavities. Understanding radiologic patterns, pathogenesis, and microbiological correlations can be used as an important clue to distinguish etiologies and to select appropriate management for patients.]]>
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