Interstitial lung abnormalities: Real‐world evidence

Abstract

To the Editor, Interstitial lung abnormalities (ILAs) are a radiological entity characterized by incidental findings in chest computed tomography (CT) scans, with specific patterns of modifications in lung density in patients with no prior history of interstitial lung disease. These radiologic changes are present in more than 5% of nondependent lung parenchyma areas. And they include reticular abnormalities or groundglass attenuation, lung distortion, traction bronchiectasis/bronchiolectasis, honeycombing, and nonemphysematous cysts. 1,2 In some cases, ILA may represent an early form of pulmonary fibrosis. [1][2][3] ILA affects about 7% of the general population. The prevalence varies with age and with smoking habits, being more prevalent in older and smoker individuals. 1,3,4 These patients present more respiratory symptoms and changes in respiratory function tests, particularly with a decrease in forced vital capacity. [5][6][7] This entity seems related to raised proinflammatory molecules that lead to radiological changes. 4 This radiological concept has clinical implica-