HR Chest CT Visual Scoring, Spirometry and Health Related Quality of Life in Evaluating Severity of ILD Patients

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

To establish a simplified approach for assessment of severity of interstitial lung disease by evaluating the relationship between HRCT findings, the clinical severity score,spirometry and quality of life.

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.

Inclusion Criteria:

• All patients admitted at Chest Department or presented to our out patient clinic with clinical diagnosis of Interstitial Lung Diseases among both sexes

Exclusion Criteria:

• patients under 18 years old.
• pregnant patients.
• patients with a history of previous lung resections.
• presence of bronchial carcinoma or lobar consolidation.
• patients contraindicated to perform pulmonary function will be excluded.