Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 16, 2025
Imaging Features of Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease
Published on: June 16, 2020
Radiologic and Histologic Correlates of Early Interstitial Lung Changes in Explanted Lungs
Stijn E Verleden1, Arno Vanstapel1, Joseph Jacob1
1From the Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, BREATHE (S.E.V., A.V., T.G., L.J.C., D.E.V.R., L.D.S., R.V., G.M.V., W.J., E.W., W.A.W.), Department of Cardiovascular Sciences (A.P.N.), and Department of Imaging and Pathology (B.W., J.V.), KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; Department of ASTARC, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium (S.E.V., J.H.); Department of Respiratory Medicine (S.E.V., J.M.K.v.E.) and Department of Thoracic and Vascular Surgery (S.E.V., J.H.), University Hospital Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Department of Respiratory Medicine (J.J.) and Centre for Medical Image Computing (J.J.), University College London, London, UK; Department of Thoracic Surgery, University Hospital Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (L.J.C., D.E.V.R.); Department of Physics and Astronomy, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium (M.N.B.); Institute of Pathology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany (D.D.J.); and Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease Hannover (BREATH), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Hannover, Germany (D.D.J.).
This study linked imaging features of interstitial lung abnormalities (ILAs) seen on CT scans to their actual tissue characteristics in human lung explants, revealing common patterns of fibrosis and inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Radiology
- Pathology
Background:
- Interstitial lung abnormalities (ILAs) are imaging findings on CT scans suggestive of early interstitial lung disease.
- The precise tissue basis for ILAs has remained unclear despite extensive research.
- Understanding histopathologic correlates is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish the correlation between radiologic findings of ILAs on CT and their corresponding histopathologic features.
- To investigate the tissue-level changes associated with CT-defined ILAs in human lung explants.
Main Methods:
- Prospectively collected explanted human lungs with radiologically confirmed ILAs.
- Air-inflated, frozen specimens underwent ex vivo CT and micro-CT scanning.
- Core biopsies were taken for histopathologic assessment and semiquantitative scoring.
Main Results:
- CT showed ground-glass opacities, reticulation, and bronchiectasis.
- Histopathology revealed paraseptal abnormalities, fibrosis, and lymphocytic inflammation.
- CT-normal areas sometimes showed fibrosis; reticulated areas had greater fibrosis. Vasculopathy and bronchiectasis were common.
Conclusions:
- Direct histopathologic correlates for CT-defined interstitial lung abnormalities were identified.
- Findings suggest ILAs represent early fibrotic and inflammatory lung changes.
- This research bridges the gap between imaging and tissue diagnosis in ILAs.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:13Radiological Investigation III: Pulmonary Angiogram and PET Scan
Pulmonary Angiogram
A Pulmonary Angiogram is an invasive procedure involving injecting a contrast medium through a catheter threaded into the pulmonary artery or the right side of the heart to visualize the pulmonary vasculature. Computed Tomography (CT) scans have mainly replaced this...
01:30Radiological Investigation II: MRI and Ventilation Perfusion Scan
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Ventilation Perfusion Scans are two radiological investigations that offer detailed diagnostic images of the body, particularly lung structures.
MRI
MRI uses magnetic fields and radiofrequency signals to distinguish between normal and abnormal tissues. This technology provides a more detailed diagnostic image than CT scans, enabling it to characterize pulmonary nodules, stage bronchogenic carcinoma, and evaluate inflammatory activity in...