Diagnosis of early idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: current status and future perspective.
Authors
Affiliations (4)
Affiliations (4)
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, No.227, South Chongqing Road, Huangpu, Shanghai, 200025, P.R. China.
- School of Biomedical Engineering, School of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, No. 800, Dongchuan Road, Minghang, Shanghai, 200240, P.R. China.
- School of Biomedical Engineering, School of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, No. 800, Dongchuan Road, Minghang, Shanghai, 200240, P.R. China. [email protected].
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Chest Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, No.241, West Huaihai Road, Xuhui, Shanghai, 200030, P.R. China. [email protected].
Abstract
The standard approach to diagnosing idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) includes identifying the usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) pattern via high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) or lung biopsy and excluding known causes of interstitial lung disease (ILD). However, limitations of manual interpretation of lung imaging, along with other reasons such as lack of relevant knowledge and non-specific symptoms have hindered the timely diagnosis of IPF. This review proposes the definition of early IPF, emphasizes the diagnostic urgency of early IPF, and highlights current diagnostic strategies and future prospects for early IPF. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI), specifically machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL), is revolutionizing the diagnostic procedure of early IPF by standardizing and accelerating the interpretation of thoracic images. Innovative bronchoscopic techniques such as transbronchial lung cryobiopsy (TBLC), genomic classifier, and endobronchial optical coherence tomography (EB-OCT) provide less invasive diagnostic alternatives. In addition, chest auscultation, serum biomarkers, and susceptibility genes are pivotal for the indication of early diagnosis. Ongoing research is essential for refining diagnostic methods and treatment strategies for early IPF.