Serial high resolution CT findings in nonspecific interstitial pneumonia/fibrosis.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this work was to evaluate the radiographic and serial high resolution CT (HRCT) findings in patients with nonspecific interstitial pneumonia/ fibrosis (NSIP).

METHOD

We identified 15 patients with biopsy-proven NSIP. Radiography and initial and follow-up CT findings were reviewed.

RESULTS

Predominant radiographic findings were bilateral infiltrates distributing in the middle and lower lung zones and decreased lung volumes. At initial CT, predominant patterns were peribronchovascular interstitial thickening (n = 6), parenchymal bands (n = 8), intralobular interstitial thickening (n = 12), and traction bronchiectasis (n = 14). Mixed pattern of ground-glass opacity and consolidation (n = 11) were predominant findings of increased lung opacity. At follow-up CT in 14 cases, the abnormalities had disappeared completely in 3, improved in 9, persisted in 1, and worsened in 1.

CONCLUSION

The pulmonary abnormalities observed in NSIP on HRCT can disappear or be diminished in most cases after corticosteroid therapy. Intralobular interstitial thickening and traction bronchiectasis, which have been considered to be indicators of irreversible fibrosis, also show favorable responses.