Role of Imaging Modalities in diagnosis of Interstitial Lung Disease

Abstract Interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) are a diverse group of pulmonary disorders with significant morbidity and mortality. Idiopathic Interstitial Pneumonias (IIPs) represent a major subset, characterized by varying patterns of inflammation and fibrosis within the lung parenchyma. This study aims to assess the diagnostic role of conventional chest radiographs compared to high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) in identifying ILDs, particularly IIPs. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted on 100 patients with suspected ILD, evaluating imaging findings, demographic patterns, and disease distribution. HRCT demonstrated superior sensitivity (90%) and specificity (70%) in detecting ILD compared to chest radiographs (84% accuracy). Among IIPs, usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) was the most prevalent (46.55%), followed by non-specific interstitial pneumonia (31.03%). The study also highlighted the association of ILDs with age, smoking, and collagen vascular diseases. HRCT emerged as the preferred imaging modality, effectively differentiating ILD subtypes, identifying early disease manifestations, and guiding clinical management. The findings emphasize the necessity of HRCT for accurate ILD diagnosis, reducing the need for invasive procedures. This research contributes to the growing body of evidence advocating for HRCT as the gold standard in ILD evaluation, improving early detection and patient outcomes.