NONSPECIFIC INTERSTITIAL PNEUMONIA WITH FIBROSIS - RADIOGRAPHIC AND CT FINDINGS IN 7 PATIENTS

PURPOSE: To describe the radiographic and computed tomographic (CT) findings in seven patients with nonspecific interstitial pneumonia with fibrosis (NIP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: NIP was proved pathologically in all patients. Findings at radiography and initial and 1-15-month follow-up CT were reviewed. RESULTS: 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. CONCLUSION: Bilateral patchy areas of opacity depicted radiographically and good clinical response to treatment may differentiate NIP from other interstitial pneumonias.