Interstitial Lung Disease Flashcards
Where is the lung interstitium?
The area between the epithelium of the alveoli and the thin elastin rich connective component containing the blood capillaries
What are the two types of biopsy used to diagnose interstitila lung diseases?
Transbronchial
Thoracoscopic
What is sarcoidosis?
Granulomatour multisystem diseas of unknow aetiology
Non caseating
What type of hypersensitivity is associated with sarcoidosis?
Type four
Why can you get increased serum levels in sarcoidosis?
Granulomas secrete ACE
What is the early stage of sarcoidosis?
lymphocytic alveolitis with granulomas
What is the later stage of sarcoidosis?
progression to pulmonary fibrosis and honey combing in upper lobes
What are the symptoms of sarcoidosis?
Progressive dyspnoea
Dry cough
decreased exercise tolerance
chest pain
What are the signs or acute sarcoidosis?
Erythema nodosum Bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy arthitis uveits parotitis fever
What are the signs of chronic sarcoid?
Lung and skin infiltrates Peripheral lymphadenopathy hypercalcaemia hepatitis splenomegaly
What sites are commonly affected by sarcoid?
Lungs, joints, liver, skin, eyes
What investigations are used to diagnose sarcoid?
CXR- bhl CT scan - peripheral nodular infiltrate Biopsy FEV test- restrictive Bloods- increased ace, serum, calcium
What are the treatments for sarcoidosis?
Steroid
Immunosuppressants- azathioprine, methotrexate
What are the indications for steroid use in sarcoidosis?
uveitis
hypercalciemia
neurological/cardiac problems
impaired lung function
What are the complications of sarcoidosis?
Cor pulmonale
death
most resolve within two years and respond well to steroids
