Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: A Radiologist's Guide to High-resolution CT

Abstract

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive, irreversible condition of unknown cause that results in pulmonary fibrosis. It is considered the most common idiopathic interstitial pneumonia, falling under the broad category of interstitial lung disease (ILD). The key imaging finding in IPF on high-resolution CT is the typical usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) pattern. However, some of the imaging findings may overlap with other ILDs and conditions, so these hallmark findings and overlapping imaging findings have been reviewed. Given the progressive and debilitating nature of disease, it is important for the radiologist to be able to identify the key imaging characteristics of UIP to help aid in the diagnosis of IPF and early initiation of treatment, which has been shown to preserve lung function and improve outcomes. VOLUME 46 • NO 7 www.cdrnewsletter.com MARCH 31, 2023