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Abstract

Interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) comprise a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by inflammation and fibrosis affecting the lung parenchyma. These diseases encompass a wide range of etiologies, including autoimmune conditions, occupational exposures, environmental factors, drug toxicity, and idiopathic processes. ILDs pose significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges due to their diverse clinical presentations and overlapping radiological features. High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) plays a pivotal role in the evaluation of ILDs by providing detailed imaging of the lung parenchyma. The diagnosis of ILDs requires a multidisciplinary approach involving clinical evaluation, radiological assessment, and often histopathological examination. Treatment strategies for ILDs are varied and depend on the underlying etiology, with options ranging from immunosuppressive agents for autoimmune ILDs to avoidance of inciting exposures for environmental and occupational forms. Lung transplantation may be considered in select cases of progressive ILDs refractory to medical therapy. Despite advances in understanding ILDs, significant gaps remain in our knowledge of their pathogenesis and optimal management approaches. Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms driving disease progression and to develop targeted therapies aimed at improving outcomes for patients with ILDs. Interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) encompass a diverse group of parenchymal lung disorders characterized by inflammation and fibrosis involving the interstitium. This umbrella term encompasses a wide range of conditions with varying etiologies, clinical presentations, radiographic patterns, and prognoses, posing a significant challenge for accurate diagnosis and management. ILDs can be idiopathic or secondary to various underlying factors, including environmental exposures, connective tissue diseases, drug reactions, and genetic predispositions. The intricate interplay of inflammatory mediators, immune dysregulation, and aberrant wound healing processes underpins the pathogenesis of ILDs, leading to progressive pulmonary fibrosis and impairment of gas exchange.

Clinical manifestations of ILDs are nonspecific and often include dyspnea on exertion, cough, and constitutional symptoms, which can mimic other respiratory or systemic conditions, further complicating the diagnostic process. High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) plays a pivotal role in the evaluation of ILDs, revealing characteristic radiographic patterns such as reticular opacities, ground-glass opacities, and honeycombing, which guide further diagnostic workup and classification. However, a definitive diagnosis often requires a multidisciplinary approach involving clinical, radiological, and histopathological assessments to differentiate between the myriad of ILD subtypes and determine optimal treatment strategies.