CT scan in pulmonary fibrosis
Last reviewed 07/2023
The role of computed tomography scans in the management of pulmonary fibrosis includes:
- high-resolution CT may reveal extensive disease, even at a time when the chest X-ray appears normal
- pattern of CT change is a predictor of type of disease process:
- a 'ground-glass' pattern on CT is suggestive of response to treatment and is thought to be a good prognostic factor
- a coarse reticular pattern denotes a more fibrotic stage of the disease
- CT is a more sensitive monitor of response to therapy than plain chest radiography