Standardized radiographic evaluation of interstitial lung diseases: correlation with CT and ATS/ERS classification

Abstract

Chest X-ray (XR) is the simplest, cheapest, and most widely available imaging exam, and is usually the first modality for the radiological assessment of lung diseases. In the evaluation of interstitial lung disease (ILD), the imaging exam of choice is high resolution computed tomography (HRCT). Although HRCT is the gold standard for ILD assessment, chest XR is often the initial examination in the face of clinical suspicion. The role of HRCT and multidisciplinary approach in diagnosis of ILD is already established in medical literature, however, there is no consensus regarding the interpretation of chest XR and its role in the classification and management of these diseases. In this study, we aim to organize a database of clinical information and images of patients with ILD in clinical follow-up at our hospital, and to perform a standardized evaluation of the chest XR exams of these patients, correlating with HRCT and the updated classification of interstitial diseases and interstitial pneumonias. It will also be investigated whether chest XR can aid in diagnosis and choice of the most appropriate CT protocol when ILD is clinically suspected. (AU)