Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis : Radiological diagnosis in light of the current guidelines

Abstract

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is aspecific form of chronic progressive fibrosing interstitial lung disease with a poor prognosis. High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) plays an important role in the work-up of patients with suspected IPF. In HRCT IPF is characterized by the pattern of usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP). For a long time only supportive or immunosuppressive treatment was possible. The approval of antifibrotic agents in 2012 marked aturning point and triggered further clinical and scientific interest. Based on the recently gained knowledge the revised version of the international guidelines for the diagnosis of IPF was published in 2018, including instructions for HRCT interpretation. In this continued medical education article the relevant signs in HRCT are presented. The specifications given in the guidelines are elucidated.