Clinical Case Database / Category: Patient Management

Interstitial lung diseases

Publication details

I Aslam MRCP, SP Hart PhD MRCP,, JA Kastelik MD FRCP
Foundation Years Journal, volume 5, issue 9, p.14 (123Doc Education, London, October 2011)

Abstract

Interstitial lung diseases (ILD) describes a large group of disorders of lung interstitium. Whilst the majority of patients with ILD present with breathlessness and cough, these disorders may have multi-system involvement. Patients with ILD can be seen on acute medical take or on medical or surgical wards, and therefore understanding of ILD is of importance to junior doctors. The terminology, investigations and treatment of ILD can be perceived as somewhat complicated. This article will provide a simple approach on how to assess, investigate and manage patients with ILD. More importantly, the requirements of careful diagnosis will be highlighted as this may affect not only the management options but also has important role in establishing the long term prognosis. The diagnosis of ILD frequently requires a multi-disciplinary approach, which involves a close communication between respiratory physicians, radiologists, histopathologists and thoracic surgeons. Some of the ILD can be confidently diagnosed based on clinical history, examination and radiological appearances of high resolution computed tomography of the thorax. However, in many cases further investigations including surgical lung biopsy may be required. The management usually depends on the type or severity of ILD.

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Authors

I Aslam MRCP, SP Hart PhD MRCP,

Department of Respiratory Medicine
Hull University, Hull York Medical School
Castle Hill Hospital
Castle Road, Cottingham
East Yorkshire HU 16 5JQ

JA Kastelik MD FRCP

Department of Respiratory Medicine
Hull University, Hull York Medical School
Castle Hill Hospital
Castle Road, Cottingham
East Yorkshire HU 16 5JQ
jack.kastelik@hey.nhs.uk

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T​he Foundation Years Clinical Cases Database is​ a selection of 600 peer-reviewed clinical cases in the field of patient safety and clinical practice, specifically focused on the clinical information needs of junior doctors, based around the Foundation Year Curriculum programme (MMC). The cases have been chosen to align with the Foundation Year Curriculum.

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