REVIEW  HRCT OF THE CHEST IN ILD 

Journal of Radiological Review 2021 June;8(2):80-4

DOI: 10.23736/S2723-9284.21.00130-0

Copyright © 2021 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

lingua: Inglese

Approach to diffuse lung diseases: dilemmas, pitfalls and tips

Roberta E. LEDDA ¹, Francesca MILONE ¹, Mario SILVA ¹, Elisa BARATELLA ², Gianluca MILANESE ¹, Andrea BORGHESI ³, Stefano PALMUCCI ⁴, Anna Rita LARICI ⁵, Nicola SVERZELLATI ¹ ✉

¹ Unit of Radiological Sciences, Department of Medicine and Surgery (DiMeC), University of Parma, Parma, Italy; ² Department of Radiology, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Integrata di Trieste (ASUITS), Trieste, Italy; ³ Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia, Italy; ⁴ Department of Medical Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies, Unit of Radiology I - G.F. Ingrassia, Vittorio Emanuele University Hospital, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; ⁵ Unit of Diagnostic Imaging Area, Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Oncological Radiotherapy, and Hematology, IRCCS A. Gemelli University Polyclinic Foundation, Rome, Italy

Diffuse parenchymal lung diseases (DPLDs) represent a large and heterogenous group of lung disorders, characterized by a variable degree of inflammation and/or fibrosis of the pulmonary parenchyma. Owing to the relatively small number and non-specific parenchymal manifestations of such a complex group of diseases, a systematic approach to the high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) images is of paramount importance to avoid overlooking and misinterpretation of both main and ancillary findings. Imaging, however, might not be sufficient to establish a definite diagnosis, and thus the integration with clinical and histologic data is often required. This review article summarized a practical approach to DPLDs, emphasizing the importance of adopting an adequate HRCT technique, recognizing and reporting both pulmonary and extrapulmonary signs. The role of imaging in the context of the multidisciplinary approach is also discussed.

KEY WORDS: Lung diseases, interstitial; Interdisciplinary research; Review