Comparison of parenchyma density scoring in RA-ILD vs IPF and iNSIP

Abstract

1. Introduction: The area of the affected lung parenchyma can influence mortality in any interstitial lung disease (ILD), so we analysed three groups - rheumatoid arthritis (RA) associated ILD, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and idiopathic non-specific interstitial pneumonia (iNSIP) to identify measurable HRCT features. 2. Methods: All patients referred to MDTs with RA-ILD, iNSIP and IPF between 2016 - 2022, with high quality HRCT scans (both  in- and expiration) were included in our study. 17 RA-ILD, 26 iNSIP and 72 IPF patients were identified. The scans were analyzed using the Syngo Via (vs60) PulmoAnalysis software, calculating areas of increased density. Data was analyzed using usual statistical methods. 3. Results: Lung parenchyma was evaluated by the percentage of opacity, opacity score and other relating values. In RA-ILD cases lower opacity percentage was detected compared to IPF and iNSIP cases (mean value of 10,04% vs 25,1% and 19,1% during inspiration in both lungs). This data was compared to concurrent pulmonary function test results. 4. Conclusions: The software aided data collection correlates well with clinical severity but further studies need to evaluate its position in the management of ILD patients.