A clinical approach to diffuse parenchymal lung disease

The diffuse parenchymal lung diseases (DPLDs) are a group of more than 200 diverse conditions; therefore achieving an exact diagnosis is frequently challenging. However, with the advent of novel, disease-specific therapies, an accurate diagnosis in DPLD is of growing importance. The recognition that many of the DPLDs have distinctive high-resolution computed tomography appearances has greatly reduced the need for biopsy, although in cases of uncertainty, histologic assessment remains an important tool. Ultimately, the diagnostic assessment of DPLD is best undertaken through an interstitial lung disease multidisciplinary team meeting that brings together physicians, thoracic radiologists, and pathologists.