Misinterpretation of ILD In Obese Patients With OSA

Obesity and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can lead to radiographic findings on HRCT that may be mistaken for interstitial lung disease (ILD) The increased adipose tissue deposition and altered lung mechanics associated with obesity, as well as the chronic intermittent hypoxia seen in OSA, can result in HRCT changes such as ground-glass opacities, septal thickening, and reduced lung volumes .

Several studies have highlighted the potential for misdiagnosis of ILD in obese patients with OSA. A retrospective analysis by Washko et al. found that 32% of obese individuals with suspected ILD were subsequently reclassified as having changes related to obesity and OSA rather than true interstitial lung disease Similarly, a study by Patel et al. reported that 27% of patients referred for evaluation of suspected ILD were found to have findings attributable to obesity and OSA rather than an underlying interstitial lung process

The accurate differentiation between ILD and the HRCT changes associated with obesity and OSA is crucial, as the management strategies for these conditions differ significantly. Misdiagnosis can lead to unnecessary and potentially harmful treatments, as well as delayed recognition and management of the underlying obesity and OSA .

Therefore, a comprehensive clinical evaluation, including assessment of body mass index, sleep study findings, and consideration of the full clinical context, is essential to correctly distinguish between ILD and the radiographic changes seen in obese patients with OSA