Figure 1. Lung fibrosis, CT scan. This is the bottom of the lung with the aortic branches (purple), nonlung tissue (blue), lung tissue (yellow/blue) and air-filled bullae (orange). Lung fibrosis is a condition whereby a lung infection causes inflammation of the tissue around the alveoli (air sacs), producing scar tissue.
Because of its wide availability, chest radiography is often used as an initial screening test for ILD and findings are often the first indicator of an ILD. However, a diagnosis may be difficult to establish if mild or early disease is present and may appear normal, according to Walsh and colleagues. Although the diagnostic accuracy of chest radiographs in suspected ILD is ∼80%, characterizing ILD to the extent necessary to guide diagnosis and further management is usually not possible on radiographs.
HRCT is a more sensitive modality for the recognition of ILD than chest radiography or conventional chest CT. According to the 2022 American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society clinical practice guidelines for the diagnosis of IPF, HRCT plays a crucial role in the diagnosis of ILD.
Learn more about imaging in IPF.
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Cite this: Zab Mosenifar. Fast Five Quiz: Progressive Fibrosing Interstitial Lung Disease Presentation and Diagnosis - Medscape - Apr 24, 2023.
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