[16-Detector row CT features and related anatomic-pathology basis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis]

The objective of this study was to elucidata the correlation of 16-detector row CT features with the complications and anatomic-pathology of the disease in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The 16-detector row CT appearances and predominant anatomic distribution were analyzed in 38 cases of IPF. Of the 14 patients (36.8%) with honeycomb lung, 10 (71.4%) had honeycomb appearances predominantly distributed in the peripheral zone of the middle and lower lobes, particularly in the basal segments of the lower lobes. 11 patients (78.6%) had the clinical duration of honeycomb lung for more than 3 years. The interlobular interstitial thickening was seen in 16 cases (42.1%), the interlobular septa thickening in 20 cases (52.6%); and the thickened bronchus-vascular bundle in 9 cases (23.7%). The above-mentioned three kinds of CT features observably distributed in the peripheral zone of the middle and lower lobes, in the basal segments of the lower lobes, and in the lower lobes and middle lobe of right lung in the middle of the zone, respectively. In 15 patients (39.5%), ground-glass opacity was predominantly distributed in the peripheral zone of lung and in the basal segments of the lower lobes; and the clinical duration lasted less than 1 year was seen in 10 cases (66.7%). These results indicated that some characteristic manifestations with pathologic variation and predominant anatomic distribution of IDF can be shown on 16-detector row CT.