Fast Five Quiz: Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Differential Diagnosis

Guy W. Soo Hoo, MD, MPH; Zab Mosenifar, MD

January 26, 2023

Stage 4 sarcoidosis can clinically mimic IPF. Sarcoidosis is a multisystem granulomatous disease of unknown etiology that primarily affects the lungs. Although many patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis experience periods of remission and favorable long-term outcomes, approximately 10%-30% develop pulmonary fibrosis and progressive pulmonary disease (S4).

Clinical differences between sarcoidosis and IPF can help in the differential diagnosis. The typical histologic honeycombing pattern and fibroblast foci associated with IPF are not typically seen in sarcoidosis. In addition, the nonproductive cough associated with IPF is typically not a symptom in patients with sarcoidosis. PET scan may be more helpful than HRCT scans to assess patients with sarcoidosis because it can detect inflammatory activity, which can help guide treatment.

Learn more about sarcoidosis.

1 2 3 4 5 6

Next Section

Any views expressed above are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect the views of WebMD or Medscape.

Cite this: Guy W. Soo Hoo, Zab Mosenifar. Fast Five Quiz: Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Differential Diagnosis - Medscape - Jan 26, 2023.

Comments

Commenting is limited to medical professionals. To comment please Log-in.

Comments on Medscape are moderated and should be professional in tone and on topic. You must declare any conflicts of interest related to your comments and responses. Please see our Commenting Guide for further information. We reserve the right to remove posts at our sole discretion.