Incidental discovery of interstitial lung disease: diagnostic approach, surveillance and perspectives.
Eur Respir Rev
; 31(164)2022 Jun 30.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1928158
ABSTRACT
The incidental discovery of pre-clinical interstitial lung disease (ILD) has led to the designation of interstitial lung abnormalities (ILA), a radiological entity defined as the incidental finding of computed tomography (CT) abnormalities affecting more than 5% of any lung zone. Two recent documents have redefined the borders of this entity and made the recommendation to monitor patients with ILA at risk of progression. In this narrative review, we will focus on some of the limits of the current approach, underlying the potential for progression to full-blown ILD of some patients with ILA and the numerous links between subpleural fibrotic ILA and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Considering the large prevalence of ILA in the general population (7%), restricting monitoring only to cases considered at risk of progression appears a reasonable approach. However, this suggestion should not prevent pulmonary physicians from pursuing an early diagnosis of ILD and timely treatment where appropriate. In cases of suspected ILD, whether found incidentally or not, the pulmonary physician is still required to make a correct ILD diagnosis according to current guidelines, and eventually treat the patient accordingly.
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Lung Diseases, Interstitial
/
Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Type of study:
Diagnostic study
/
Observational study
/
Prognostic study
/
Reviews
Limits:
Humans
Language:
English
Year:
2022
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
16000617.0206-2021
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