Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 3, 2026
04:44
Imaging Features of Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease
Published on: June 16, 2020
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Radiologic Features of Airways Disease Are Associated With Interstitial Lung Abnormality Progression.
Kavitha Selvan1, Rohan Moghe2, Alexander W Matyga3
1Dr. Selvan is affiliated with the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
Respiratory Care
|February 19, 2026
Summary
Airway diseases like bronchial wall thickening are linked to progressive interstitial lung abnormalities (ILAs). These findings in lung cancer screening patients may aid in early interstitial lung disease (ILD) management.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Radiology
- Thoracic Imaging
Background:
- Interstitial lung abnormalities (ILAs) can progress and may indicate early interstitial lung disease (ILD).
- Aberrant airway biology is increasingly implicated in the development and progression of smoking-related ILDs.
- Understanding radiologic airway disease features associated with ILA progression is crucial for at-risk patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between radiologic features of airways disease and progressive ILAs.
- To identify imaging biomarkers that predict ILA progression in patients at risk for ILD.
- To inform early detection and management strategies for interstitial lung disease.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 482 adults aged 50-80 undergoing low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) for lung cancer screening.
- Inclusion criteria: ≥2 LDCTs performed ≥24 months apart.
- Qualitative analysis of LDCTs for ILAs and airway disease features by a thoracic radiologist; generalized estimating equation analysis.
Main Results:
- Of 85 subjects with ILAs, 49.4% (42/85) showed progression.
- Bronchial wall thickening (OR=2.61) and mosaic attenuation (OR=2.51) were significantly associated with ILA progression.
- The study population comprised 54% female, 66% Black individuals, with a high prevalence of current smokers (57%) and COPD (31%).
Conclusions:
- Radiologic features of airways disease, specifically bronchial wall thickening and mosaic attenuation, are associated with ILA progression.
- These findings highlight the role of airway abnormalities in ILA progression.
- Airway disease markers on LDCT may help identify individuals at higher risk for ILD progression.
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