Revisiting the imaging plethora of interstitial lung diseases by high resolution computed tomography: an observational study at a tertiary hospital in north western Rajasthan

Abstract

Introduction: The interstitial lung diseases are a heterogenous group of many acute and chronic pulmonary disorders. Though individually rare, as a group, they are a common clinical problem. Though they are grouped together, there are great variations in the risk factors for their development, their pathological processes, the relevant therapies and the associated prognosis, making an accurate diagnosis very essential to minimize early complications and its sequelae.Objectives of the study: Characterizing the various HRCT patterns of Interstitial Lung Disease (Idiopathic Interstitial Pneumonias) like: • Honeycombing • Bronchiectasis • Bronchiolectasis • Reticulation • Ground glass opacities • Air trapping • Consolidation. • Fibrosis. Methodology:Study Area: Study was carried out in the Department of Radiodiagnosis & Modern Imaging, S.P. Medical College & A.G. of P.B.M. Hospitals, Bikaner. This hospital is a tertiary care centre equipped with GE 128 Slice Revolution evo CT scanner. Study Population: All the patients (out patient as well as in patient) referred for HRCT of chest were included in the study. Study Design: This is a cohort descriptive and observational study. Sample Size: 80 patients with positive findings of interstitial lung disease( In patients and Out patients) Study Duration: 1 year or till 80 patients completed. Inclusion Criteria: • All the patients with clinically suspected interstitial lung disease referred for HRCT were included in the study after taking their informed consent. • All age groups and both the sexes, including children, adult and old age patients were included in study. Exclusion Criteria:The following patients were excluded from the study - • Patients with associated lung pathology like mass or any other significant lung pathology. • Hemodynamically unstable and unconscious patients. • All patients who did not gave consent to be a part of the study. Results & Conclusion: High resolution computed tomography (HRCT) is very effective in visualizing the distorted architecture of lung parenchyma in Idiopathic Interstitial Pneumonias. As compared to chest radiographs and conventional CT, HRCT is capable of detecting disease processes much earlier in their evolution.Based on the HRCT features a histospecific diagnosis can be reached in most cases of Idiopathic Interstitial Pneumonias obviating the need for biopsy. The disease activity can also be depicted, thereby guiding the treatment strategy. The findings of this study correlate well with many other studies reported in literature.