Challenges in pulmonary fibrosis x 5: the NSIP/UIP debate.
Among the idiopathic interstitial pneumonias, the two entities-idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) characterised by the presence of the usual interstitial pneumonia pattern of histopathology (IPF/UIP) and non-specific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP; same nomenclature for the histopathological pattern and idiopathic disease) - have provoked considerable debate. IPF/UIP and NSIP closely mimic each other clinically but NSIP has a far better outcome. However, it remains unclear if NSIP is a truly separate and distinct entity. The histopathological pattern of NSIP can be found in a wide variety of clinical and radiological contexts. This review addresses these and other uncertainties regarding NSIP and UIP.
du Bois
Roland
R
Interstitial Lung Disease Unit, Department of occupational and Environmental Medicine, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, London, UK.
King
Talmadge E
TE
D001706:Biopsy / Q000379:methods; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000473:pathology*; D017563:Lung Diseases, Interstitial / Q000473:pathology*; D011658:Pulmonary Fibrosis / Q000473:pathology*; D012216:Rheumatic Diseases / Q000473:pathology; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods