The Value of a Multidisciplinary Approach to the Diagnosis of Usual Interstitial Pneumonitis and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: Radiology, Pathology, and Clinical Correlation

AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2016 Mar;206(3):463-71. doi: 10.2214/AJR.15.15627.

Abstract

Objective: Multidisciplinary discussion is essential in establishing the diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and in determining prognosis.

Conclusion: The CT and histopathologic correlate for IPF is usual interstitial pneumonitis (UIP). If a high-confidence diagnosis of UIP is made on CT, IPF is almost always the diagnosis, obviating lung biopsy. If a confident diagnosis of UIP cannot be made on CT, further assessment with lung biopsy and multidisciplinary discussion are often necessary to achieve a confident final diagnosis.

Keywords: CT; atypical usual interstitial pneumonitis; idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF); multidisciplinary discussion; usual interstitial pneumonitis (UIP).

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms
  • Humans
  • Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis / diagnosis
  • Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis / diagnostic imaging*
  • Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis / pathology*
  • Interdisciplinary Communication*
  • Lung
  • Patient Care Team
  • Prognosis
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed