Chronic interstitial lung diseases: useful clinical and paraclinical aspects in practice
Fellrath, J.-M.; Francillon, C.; Duc, J.ël.; Leuenberger, P.
Revue Medicale de la Suisse Romande 122(6): 295-300
2002
ISSN/ISBN: 0035-3655 PMID: 12174690 Document Number: 548558
Chronic interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) are characterized by: 1) diffuse interstitial inflammation and/or fibrosis, and 2) duration of illness above 3 months. Chronic ILDs of known and unknown aetiology have to be differentiated. The diagnosis of chronic ILDs, which is suggested by clinical and/or pulmonary function test data, is definitely based on the identification of interstitial changes on chest-x ray or thoracic high resolution CT scans. Orientated laboratory evaluation and flexible bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage and biopsies are also performed. These investigations often allow a secure diagnosis to be made. Sometimes however, a surgical lung biopsy is necessary for the diagnosis, notably when chronic idiopathic interstitial pneumonias are considered.