From an abdominal ultrasound to a lung disease passing through the diaphragm: a case of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

RATIONALE

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic lung disease characterized by abnormal and excessive deposition of collagen in the pulmonary interstitium (fibrosis) with minimal associated inflammation evolving into progressive and irreversible decline in lung function.

PATIENT CONCERNS

Patient referred discomfort, bilateral upper quadrant abdominal pain, and progressive exertional dyspnea (shortness of breath with exercise).

DIAGNOSIS

Exertional dyspnea due to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).

INTERVENTION

Sonographic evaluation demonstrated an alteration of diaphragm excursion together with a relevant alteration of the pleural line and multiple irregular and confluent B lines.

CONCLUSIONS

Lung and diaphragm ultrasound could be employed as a screening or first-line diagnostic tool in the suspicion of interstitial lung disease.