ABSTRACT
Interstitial lung abnormality (ILA) refers to interstitial abnormalities detected during computed tomography (CT) examinations to investigate a different pathology, and ILA is potentially associated with interstitial lung disease (ILD). ILA is reported more frequently, mainly due to the widespread use of chest CT scans for lung cancer screening and the increased use of diagnostic CT (e.g., coronary CT angiography, lung or abdominal metastasis assessment). Smoking and advanced age are strongly associated with ILA. ILAs are associated with impaired respiratory function, radiological progression to ILD, and increased all-cause mortality. Additionally, the presence of ILA indicates poor prognosis in patients with lung cancer. Therefore, it is of great importance for radiologists to be aware of ILA and correctly report it. This review article aims to review the radiological findings of ILA, the clinical significance of ILA, and the association of ILA with lung cancer.
Keywords: Interstitial lung abnormalities, interstitial lung disease, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, lung cancer
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