When viewing a HRCT study of multiple lung cysts, it is important to establish whether the findings are those of multiple pulmonary cysts or airway abnormalities, as seen in emphysema, bronchiectasis, or bullous lung disease.

Cystic lung disorders include pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis (PLCH), lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM), and lymphocytic interstitial pneumonitis (LIP).

Rarer causes of multiple lung cysts include light chain deposition disease, amyloidosis, Birt-Hogg-Dube syndrome and neurofibromatosis.

Cavitating lung metastases can also result in multiple cysts (lacunar metastases).