Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic fibrosing lung disease of unknown origin primarily affecting older adults. It is the most common form of idiopathic interstitial pneumonia and accounts for approximately 20%-50% of all cases of interstitial lung disease. The clinical course of IPF is complicated and the prognosis is poor, with a median survival of 3-5 years from diagnosis. Although early recognition and prompt initiation of therapy can improve outcomes, there is currently no cure for IPF, and patients eventually succumb to respiratory failure.
Because many interstitial lung diseases share similar clinical and radiologic characteristics, the diagnosis of IPF is often challenging and one of exclusion. Multidisciplinary teams often work to exclude differential diagnoses of IPF, facilitating an accurate diagnosis and ensuring best patient outcomes with appropriate therapy.
Can you identify IPF from other conditions in the differential diagnosis? Test your knowledge with this quick quiz.
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Cite this: Guy W. Soo Hoo, Zab Mosenifar. Fast Five Quiz: Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Differential Diagnosis - Medscape - Jan 26, 2023.
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