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For further information, see CMDT Part 9-22: Diffuse Interstitial Pneumonias

KEY FEATURES

Essentials of Diagnosis

  • Important to identify specific fibrosing disorders

  • May be associated with connective tissue diseases or be idiopathic

  • Idiopathic disease may be diagnosed with characteristic features of high-resolution CT scan or require biopsy for definitive diagnosis

  • Accurate diagnosis identifies patients most likely to benefit from therapy

General Considerations

  • Diagnosis is based on the clinical risk factors listed in Table 9–16 and on high-resolution CT scan radiographic criteria listed in Table 9–17.

  • Accurate diagnosis allows providers to provide the patient accurate information about the cause and natural history of the illness and helps distinguish patients most likely to benefit from therapy

  • Assessment of pulmonary hypertension is recommended in advanced disease

Table 9–16.Differential diagnosis of interstitial lung disease (listed alphabetically within category).
Table 9–17.Idiopathic interstitial pneumonias.

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