Lung fibrosis Flashcards
1
Q
What must be differentiated on examination of suspected lung fibrosis?
A
Whether the fibrosis is affecting the upper or lower zones.
2
Q
Which zone is it more common to find fibrosis in?
A
Most common causes of lung fibrosis affect the lower zones.
3
Q
What causes of fibrosis typically affect the upper lobes?
A
- hypersensitivity pneumonitis (also known as extrinsic allergic alveolitis)
- coal worker’s pneumoconiosis/progressive massive fibrosis
- silicosis
- sarcoidosis
- ankylosing spondylitis (rare)
- histiocytosis
- TB
4
Q
What causes of fibrosis typically affect the lower zones?
A
- idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
- most connective tissue disorders (except ankylosing spondylitis)
- drug-induced: amiodarone, bleomycin, methotrexate
asbestosis
