Introduction to the Pathology of Interstitial Lung Disease

Question 1

Definition of interstitial lung disease

Answer 1

• affect the parenchyma distal to the small airways
• characterized by too much of something in the interstitial space:
  a) increase collagen and other matrix proteins
  b) increased chronic inflammatory cells
  c) granulomas

Question 2

Common interstitial lung diseases

Answer 2

1) Usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP)
2) Sarcoidosis
3) Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP)
4) Pneumoconioses such as asbestosis

Question 3

Characteristics of sarcoidosis -histology

Answer 3

-interstitial granulomas

Question 4

Characteristics of hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP)

Answer 4

-cells in interstitial space

Question 5

Interstitial lung disease -clinical features

Answer 5

1) Shortness of breath
2) Dry cough
3) Systemic symptoms (fever, weight loss) present in some cases
4) Clubbing seen with severe disease
5) Velcro rales heard on inspiration
6) Most forms have interstitial markings on plain chest film
7) Restrictive pulmonary function abnormality

Question 6

Synonyms usual interstitial pneumonia

Answer 6

• idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF)

- cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis (CFA)

Question 7

Conditions associated with UIP

Answer 7

-collagen vascular