High-resolution Chest CT Visual Scoring, Spirometry and Health Related Quality of Life in Evaluating Severity of Interstitial Lung Disease Patients

The interstitial lung diseases are a group of parenchymal pulmonary disorders that affect the interstitium causing progressive fibrosis of lung tissue. These disorders characterized by dyspnea aggravated by exertion . This group of diseases is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Thus, a multi-disciplinary approach including clinical, pathological, and radiological correlation is required to reach accurate assessment. The high-resolution computed tomography [HRCT] images of the chest are considered the main platform for the diagnostic approach .High-resolution CT (HRCT) scans offer the possibility of measuring disease severity more accurately and sensitively by focusing on fibrotic changes. HRCT images illustrate the presence and extent of parenchymal abnormalities including: reticular opacities, ground-glass opacities, traction bronchiectasis and honeycombing. Most patients with suspected ILDs are likely to undergo complete Pulmonary Function Testing. Usually there is restrictive pulmonary function with decreased TLC (Total Lung Capacity) , FVC (Forced Vital Capacity), FEV1 (Forced Expiratory Volume in One Second) and a normal or increased FEV1/FVC ratio.