Interstitial Lung Abnormalities: Current Understanding

Abstract

Interstitial lung abnormalities (ILA) are incidental findings on CT scans, characterized by non-dependent abnormalities affecting more than 5% of any lung zone. They are associated with factors such as age, smoking, genetic variants, worsened clinical outcomes, and increased mortality. Risk stratification based on clinical and radiological features of ILA is crucial in clinical practice, particularly for identifying cases at high risk of progression to pulmonary fibrosis. Traction bronchiectasis/bronchiolectasis index (TBI) has emerged as a promising imaging biomarker for prognostic risk stratification in ILA. These findings suggest a spectrum of fibrosing interstitial lung diseases, encompassing from ILA to pulmonary fibrosis.