Chronic granulomatous disease is an hereditary disease of males who have an abnormality in their defense against bacterial infections. Recently it has been shown that granulocytic leukocytes, in these patients, lack a leukocytic oxidase enzyme which is necessary for effective intracellular bacterial destruction. A diagnostic laboratory test, based on this enzymatic defect, is now available.The roentgenologic findings of recurrent and chronic infections of the lungs and bones, with hepatosplenomegaly and calcification in the lesions, are not diagnostic, but when considered in light of the clinical history, may lead the radiologist to the diagnosis.Four other hereditary diseases with remarkable similarities to each other, and to chronic granulomatous disease, are discussed.Three cases are reported with roentgenologic and clinical findings.