Current Imaging of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Abstract

The major role of imaging (CT) in usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP)/idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is in the initial diagnosis. We propose several modifications to existing guidelines to help improve the accuracy of this diagnosis and to enhance interobserver agreement. CT detects the common complications and associations that occur with UIP/IPF including acute exacerbation, lung cancer, and dendriform pulmonary ossification and is useful in informing prognosis based on baseline fibrosis severity. Serial CT imaging is a topic of great interest; it may identify disease progression before FVC decline or clinical change.

Keywords: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis; Interstitial lung disease; Usual interstitial pneumonia.