Abstract
AIM: A retrospective study based on the follow up (FU) of ILD patients who developed CTD during at least 3 years follow up period.
METHODS: A cohort of 120 ILD cases were studied, based on cinico-pathological and HRCT findings. A number of 12 cases who were undertaken surgury biopsy (OLB/ VATS) were selected for the study.
RESULTS: The above 12 patients developed during the follow up period CTD. six cases have f-NSIP on the background and 6 have UIP-like pattern.
CONCLUSIONS: The ILD cases without clinical history of CTD and with UIP-like or NSIP pattern on the background of histology speciments, must be followed for long time period.
It is of important value such patients to be checked initially and in follow up by HRCT, clinical and laboratory tests.
In tHese subgroups of patients the prognosis is better than UIP/ IPF PATIENTS.
- © 2012 ERS
