Nonspecific interstitial pneumonia with fibrosis: radiographic and CT findings in seven patients.

Abstract

To describe the radiographic and computed tomographic (CT) findings in seven patients with nonspecific interstitial pneumonia with fibrosis (NIP). NIP was proved pathologically in all patients. Findings at radiography and initial and 1-15-month follow-up CT were reviewed. The predominant radiographic abnormalities were areas of patchy parenchymal opacification present bilaterally in the middle and lower lung zones in six patients; in one patient, the chest radiograph depicted no abnormality. The most common finding observed on initial thin-section CT scans was bilateral, patchy areas of ground-glass attenuation present alone or with areas of consolidation in five patients (71%) or irregular lines in two (29%). At follow-up CT, the initial parenchymal abnormalities had resolved completely in three patients, improved in another three, and persisted in one. Bilateral patchy areas of opacity depicted radiographically and good clinical response to treatment may differentiate NIP from other interstitial pneumonias.