[Idiopathic interstitial pneumonias in 2016].

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Radiology
• Pathology

Background:

• Idiopathic interstitial pneumonias (IIPs) encompass 8 clinicopathological entities with varied prognoses.
• Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is the most common and severe IIP.
• Accurate diagnosis is crucial for patient management and prognosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the role of computed tomography (CT) in diagnosing IIPs.
• To discuss the integration of imaging findings with clinical and pathological data.
• To review current diagnostic approaches and emerging techniques.

Main Methods:

• Review of imaging features of various IIPs on CT.
• Correlation of CT findings with histopathological patterns.
• Discussion of multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach in diagnosis.
• Evaluation of evolving diagnostic tools like lung cryobiopsy.

Main Results:

• CT can identify the usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) pattern in approximately 50% of IPF cases.
• CT can suggest differential diagnoses such as fibrosing nonspecific interstitial pneumonia and chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
• MDT meetings integrating imaging, clinical, and pathological data are essential for accurate IIP classification.

Conclusions:

• CT plays a pivotal role in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of IIPs.
• A multidisciplinary approach is vital for accurate classification and management of interstitial lung diseases.
• Less invasive techniques like lung cryobiopsy are being explored as alternatives to surgical lung biopsy.