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The original published definition read as: "Any extended, finely granular pattern of pulmonary opacity within which normal anatomic details are partly obscured; from a fancied resemblance to etched or abraded glass." [23] It was again included in an updated glossary by the Fleischner Society in 2008 with a more detailed definition. [24]
Some of these features are due to chronic hypoxemia (oxygen deficiency in the blood), and are not specific for IPF, they can occur in other pulmonary disorders. IPF should be considered in all patients with unexplained chronic exertional dyspnea who present with cough, inspiratory bilateral basal crackles, or finger clubbing. [3]
Pleural tumors may be benign (i.e. solitary fibrous tumor) or malignant in nature. Pleural mesothelioma is a type of malignant cancer associated with asbestos exposure. Under most other circumstances, pleural cancers are secondary malignancies associated with lung cancer due to its nearby location or as metastasis such as with breast cancer.
Restrictive lung diseases are a category of extrapulmonary, pleural, or parenchymal respiratory diseases that restrict lung expansion, [2] resulting in a decreased lung volume, an increased work of breathing, and inadequate ventilation and/or oxygenation. Pulmonary function test demonstrates a decrease in the forced vital capacity.
Interstitial lung disease affects gas flow in the alveoli The alveoli Micrograph of usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP). UIP is the most common pattern of idiopathic interstitial pneumonia (a type of interstitial lung disease) and usually represents idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
Pleural plaques are patchy collections of hyalinized collagen in the parietal pleura. [2] They have a holly leaf appearance on X-ray. [1] They are indicators of asbestos exposure, and the most common asbestos-induced lesion. [3] They usually appear after 20 years or more of exposure and never degenerate into mesothelioma.
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A technique called pleurodesis can be used to intentionally create scar tissue within the pleural space, usually as a treatment for repeated episodes of a punctured lung, known as a pneumothorax, or for pleural effusions caused by cancer. While this procedure usually generates only limited scar tissue, in rare cases a fibrothorax can develop. [6]