Clinical Perspective of Interstitial Lung Disease

Question 1

These lung diseases most commonly present in the middle lungs.

Answer 1

Question 2

Interstitial lung disease is a (restrictive/obstructive) disease.

Answer 2

Restrictive disease

Question 3

True/False. Interstitial lung disease presents with unilateral changes on x-ray.

Answer 3

False - changes are bilateral and usually symmetric

Question 4

What is the gold standard for diagnosis of interstitial lung disease?

Answer 4

Open Lung Biopsy / Video-Assisted Thoracoscopy

Question 5

A patient presents complaining of exercise intolerance. Upon testing, you note a sharp drop in O2 saturation while the patient briskly walks down a hallway. What lower airway lung disease must be included in the differential?

Answer 5

Interstitial Lung Disease - a sharp decline in O2 saturation during exercise is characteristic of early disease due to V/Q mismatch

Question 6

These lung diseases most commonly present in the lower lobes.

Answer 6

Question 7

These lung diseases most commonly present in the upper lobes.

Answer 7

Question 8

What physical exam findings may present in a patient with interstitial lung disease?

Answer 8

Bibasilar crackles, digital clubbing, pulmonary hypertension