Classification of idiopathic interstitial pneumonias: what is new since 2002?

Abstract

Since the introduction of the 2002 ATS/ERS consensus classification of interstitial lung disease, the body of literature has greatly expanded. As such, an updated classification is in the final review stages at the time of this writing. In addition, the clinical diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis has been refined, incorporating multidisciplinary guidelines. Similarly, the entity of clinically idiopathic non-specific interstitial pneumonia has been better defined. The issue of smoking-related interstitial fibrosis, while in some ways controversial, has also been better established. The aim of this article is to review updates in the major categories of interstitial lung disease since 2002 and discuss the concept of smoking-related interstitial fibrosis.