Pulmonary Fibrosis
Definition
Fibrosis (formation of CT) in lung parenchyma (alveoli, alveolar epithelium, cap endo, interstitial space)
Epidemiology
>60y
M > F
Aetiology
Unknown
Pathogenesis
Fibrosis (formation of CT) in lung parenchyma (alveoli, alveolar epithelium, cap endo, interstitial space)
Epidemiology
>60y
M > F
Aetiology
Unknown
Pathogenesis
Clinical Features
Symptoms
Investigations
Bedside: ECG (RVH, R axis), Spiro (FEC1/FVC = N, TLC/FRC/RV/FEV1/FVC = dec)
Bloods: ABG (N/ hypoxemia, resp alkalosis), antibodies (ANCA, aGBM, ANA,), LDH (non-specific)
Imaging: CXR (bibasilar reticular pattern, honeycomb = severe; usually lower lung fields due inc perfusion), CT (ground glass opacity)
Management
Source
Harrison's 18th Ed 2012
Symptoms
- Exertional dyspnoea
- Non-productive cough
- Haemoptysis
- Chest pain
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Cyanosis
- Clubbing
- Tachypnoea
- Wheeze
- Bi basilar end inspiratory dry crackles
Investigations
Bedside: ECG (RVH, R axis), Spiro (FEC1/FVC = N, TLC/FRC/RV/FEV1/FVC = dec)
Bloods: ABG (N/ hypoxemia, resp alkalosis), antibodies (ANCA, aGBM, ANA,), LDH (non-specific)
Imaging: CXR (bibasilar reticular pattern, honeycomb = severe; usually lower lung fields due inc perfusion), CT (ground glass opacity)
Management
- Symptomatic management
- Lung transplant
Source
Harrison's 18th Ed 2012