Background: The social strain with increasing incidence of Interstitial lung disease [ILD] has manifested in recent times. Environmental pollution with toxic fumes and inorganic dust lead to alveolitis, interstitial inflammation and fibrosis. Organic dusts exposure results in hypersensitivity pneumonitis while radiation and certain drugs like amiodarone, anti-cancer drugs can lead to ILD. It has become imperative that ILD be detected at an early state so that progression of the disease can be interrupted early and patient leads a longer productive life. Early diagnosis in patients with persistent dyspnoea, unexplained fatigue and stress related respiratory distress with High resolution computed tomography [HRCT] aids in providing appropriate therapy and follow up.

Results: The mean age group of study population of 46 cases was 58 years. Interlobular thickening and peri-bronchial fibrosis were additional features on HRCT suggestive of ILD seen in significant number of cases which was not detected by chest X ray. The sensitivity of chest X ray making radiological diagnosis of ILD was 78.26% while sensitivity by HRCT was 100% provided that all the cases included in this study was supported by clinical diagnosis of ILD as there were no lung biopsy taken in the study population to make a definitive diagnosis of the same.

Conclusion: HRCT can avoid tormenting procedure of open lung biopsy in diagnosing many cases of ILD. Even with equivocal results, HRCT can guide surgeon for lung biopsy site and aid diagnosis of ILD. HRCT in the present era, is indispensable for the diagnosis, prognosis and management and follow up of the cases of interstitial lung disease

Study design: Hospital based prospective & analytical study.

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Dr Chaitra Srinivas

Assistant Professor, Dept. of Radiodiagnosis KIMS Medical College, Bangalore, India