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Refined Murine Model of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Published on: June 17, 2025
Combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema
Spyros A Papiris1, Christina Triantafillidou, Effrosyni D Manali
1Second Pulmonary Medicine Department, Attikon University Hospital, Athens Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece. papiris@otenet.gr
Expert Review of Respiratory Medicine
|February 1, 2013
Summary
Computed tomography enables identification of combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema (CPFE). This condition, common in male smokers, presents unique physiological traits and potential complications.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Radiology
- Pathology
Background:
- Computed tomography (CT) allows for the recognition of combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema (CPFE).
- CPFE typically presents with emphysema in upper lobes and fibrosis in lower lobes.
- Patients are predominantly male smokers with preserved lung volumes and reduced diffusion capacity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define and characterize combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema (CPFE).
- To outline the diagnostic criteria for CPFE using imaging and pathological findings.
- To discuss the complications and distinct outcomes associated with CPFE.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing computed tomography (CT) for radiological assessment of emphysema and interstitial pneumonia patterns.
- Pathological confirmation of idiopathic usual interstitial pneumonia (IP).
- Review of patient demographics, smoking history, and physiological profiles.
Main Results:
- CPFE is defined by the coexistence of radiological emphysema and either CT-IP pattern or pathologically confirmed IP.
- Emphysema predominantly affects upper lobes, while fibrosis is observed in lower lobes.
- Patients exhibit preserved lung volumes and significantly reduced diffusion capacity.
Conclusions:
- CPFE is a distinct clinical entity identifiable through advanced imaging techniques.
- CPFE is associated with complications such as pulmonary hypertension, lung cancer, and acute lung injury.
- The clinical course and outcomes of CPFE may differ from those of isolated pulmonary fibrosis or emphysema.
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