A High-Resolution CT (HRCT) chest scan is often the best initial test to confirm Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD).
According to the provided reference, a team with expertise in interpreting lung CT scans can often accurately diagnose ILD based on symptoms, exam findings, bloodwork, and CT images. This may eliminate the need for more invasive procedures like surgical lung biopsies.
Why HRCT is Important for ILD Diagnosis
HRCT scans offer detailed images of the lungs, allowing doctors to:
- Identify patterns of lung damage characteristic of different types of ILD.
- Assess the extent and severity of the disease.
- Monitor disease progression over time.
- Rule out other potential causes of lung symptoms.
The Role of HRCT in ILD Diagnosis
The use of HRCT is central to diagnosing ILD because it can provide detailed images of the lung tissue. In many instances, the pattern of abnormality observed on the HRCT allows for a confident diagnosis of ILD without the need for a surgical lung biopsy.
