Interstitial lung diseases : From imaging to treatment

The role of radiology in the diagnosis of interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) has evolved over time, in part replacing histology. Radiology now represents a pillar of diagnostics and monitoring in ILDs. To what extent does radiology influence diagnostics and treatment in ILDs? A literature review was conducted, and current findings were discussed in the context of clinical data. Radiology plays a crucial role in the diagnosis of ILDs. Within the framework of the multidisciplinary conference, it provides specific CT patterns such as usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP), nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP), and organizing pneumonia (OP), or helps in identifying cystic lung diseases. Multicompartment diseases can be detected, and pulmonary hypertension or extrapulmonary involvement of the respective diseases can be suspected. Progressive pulmonary fibrosis requires radiologic assessment as one of the required criteria. Interstitial lung abnormalities are usually detected by radiological studies performed for an unrelated indication. Radiology plays an important role within the multidisciplinary conference to determine both diagnosis and treatment with antifibrotic or anti-inflammatory drugs, or a combination of both.