[Diffuse idiopathic interstitial pneumonias. International multidisciplinary consensus classification by the American Thoracic Society and the European Respiratory Society, principal clinico-pathological entities, and diagnosis].
BACKGROUND
The classification of the idiopathic interstitial pneumonias includes seven clinico-pathologic entities. The diagnosis is based on a multidisciplinary approach, integrating the clinical evaluation, the high-resolution computerised tomography, and the pathological pattern.


BACKGROUND
A definitive diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis relies on the association of a suggestive clinico-radiological profile and a pathological pattern of usual interstitial pneumonia. Nonspecific interstitial pneumonia is a recently described clinico-pathologic entity, with a better prognosis than that of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Cryptogenic organising pneumonia has been included in the group of idiopathic interstitial pneumonias because of its idiopathic and multifocal characteristics, although it does not predominate in the lung interstitium. Desquamative interstitial pneumonia and respiratory bronchiolitis with interstitial lung disease are rare entities with predominance in young smoking adults. Lymphoid interstitial pneumonia, usually encountered in the context of Sjögren's syndrome, is very rare in its idiopathic form. Acute interstitial pneumonia is responsible for idiopathic acute respiratory distress syndrome.


CONCLUSIONS
The current classification of idiopathic interstitial pneumonias better defines the diagnostic criterias of each clinico-pathologic entity, and is expected to facilitate clinical research.


CONCLUSIONS
This classification has clinical implications, with prognostic and therapeutic significance.
Cottin
V
V
Service de Pneumologie, Hôpital Louis Pradel, Université Claude Bernard, Lyon, France.
Capron
F
F
Grenier
P
P
Cordier
J-F
JF
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001706:Biopsy; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D017563:Lung Diseases, Interstitial / Q000145:classification* / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D010348:Patient Care Team; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011379:Prognosis; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents