Restrictive Lung Disease Flashcards
What is restrictive lung disease?
Lung volumes are small, expansion is limited by
- Alterations to lung parenchyma - intrinsic disorders, e.g. ILD
- Compression/limited expansion of the lungs (pleural, chest wall, neuromuscular) - extrinsic disorders
What is the lung parenchyma?
Alveolar regions of the lung
What the different cellular components of the lung parenchyma and what are their functions?
Alveolar type 1 epithelial cell - gas exchange surface
Alveolar type 2 epithelial cell - surfactant to reduce surface tension; stem cell for repair
Fibroblasts - produce extra cellular matrix e.g. collagen type 1; also plays a role in cell signalling
Alveolar macrophages - phagocytose foreign material; surfactant
What is the interstitial space and what is its function?
Space between alveolar epithelium and capillary endothelium
Contains lymphatic vessels, occasional fibroblasts and ECM
Provides structural support to lung
Very thin (few micrometers thick) to facilitate gas exchange
What are interstitial lung diseases characterised by?
Inflammation or fibrosis in the interstitial space
What are the different categories of interstitial lung diseases?
Idiopathic
Autoimmune-related
Exposure related, e.g. hypersensitivity pneumonitis
With cysts or airspace filling
Sarcoidosis
Others e.g. eosinophilic pneumonia
Different patterns of fibrosis influence survival. True or false?
True
What may be present in a history suggestive of ILD?
Progressive breathlessness
Non-productive cough
Limitation in exercise tolerance
Symptoms of connective tissue disease (joint problems, rashes, dry eyes/mouth)
Occupational and exposure history
Medication history (drug induced ILD)
Family history (up to 20% idiopathic ILDs are familial)
What may you find on clinical examination of someone with suspected ILD?
Low oxygen saturations (resting or exertion)
Fine bilateral inspirations crackles
Digital clubbing
(+/- features of connective tissue disease)
What are some investigations used in ILD?
Blood tests - anti-nuclear antibody (ANA), rheumatoid factor (RhF), anti-citrullinated peptide (CCP)
Pulmonary function tests
6-minute walk test (6MWT)
High resolution CT scan (HRCT)
Invasive testing: bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and surgical lung biopsy
Why is a high-resolution CT scan useful in ILD diagnosis?
Can allow you to see the pattern of fibrosis - useful for distinguishing between disease types
What oxygen saturation is associated with an increased risk of death in the 6MWT?
SpO2 </= 88%
Describe the lung physiology in ILD
Scarring makes lungs stiff - reduced lung compliance
Reduced lung volumes (TLC, FRC, RV)
Reduced FVC
Reduced diffusing capacity of lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO)
Reduced arterial PO2 - particularly with exercise
Normal or increased FEV1/FVC ratio
What type of ILD does this image show and what are the features of disease?
Usual interstitial pneumonia
Honeycomb cysts - advanced fibrosis
What does this image show and what are the features of disease?
Non-specific interstitial pneumonia
Greyer areas - ground glass (hazy) opacifications
What is show in this image and what are the features of disease?
Organising pneumonia
Consolidation (dense, white area)
Which HCP may be involved in a diagnosis of ILD?
Integration of clinical, radiological +/- pathological information:
- Pulmonologist
- Radiologist
- Respiratory physiologist
- Rheumatologist
- Clinical nurse specialist
- Physiotherapist/occupational therapist
What are the general principles of ILD management in early disease?
Pharmacological therapy - immunosuppressive drugs, antifibrotics
Clinical trials
Patient education
Vaccination
Smoking cessation
Treatment of co-morbidities - reflux, obstructive sleep apnoea, pulmonary hypertension
Pulmonary rehabilitation