title: Diagnostic workup for diffuse parenchymal lung disease: schematic flowchart, literature review, and pitfalls.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The term diffuse parenchymal lung disease (DPLD) refers to a group of disorders affecting the lung parenchyma that can be categorized into those of known and those of unknown etiology. Early diagnosis is important since some forms of DPLD are characterized by a rapid progression to respiratory failure. Notwithstanding the fact that recently guidelines have been published, some issues concerning the practical evaluation of a patient with suspected DPLD remain unclear.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this article we propose a practical approach to the diagnosis and differentiation of DPLD. Moreover, a critical appraisal is provided based on the current literature and frequent pitfalls are highlighted.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  we propose a practical workup, but in spite of increasing evidence concerning the diagnosis of DPLD, further studies will be needed to clarify several issues for efficient investigation of newly diagnosed patients with DPLD.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium. deconinckbarbara@gmail.com
authors.forename: Barbara
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Deconinck
authors.forename: Johny
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Verschakelen
authors.forename: Johan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Coolen
authors.forename: Eric
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Verbeken
authors.forename: Geert
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Verleden
authors.forename: Wim
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Wuyts
mesh_terms: D001706:Biopsy; D001999:Bronchoscopy; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D003948:Diagnostic Techniques, Respiratory System; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000473:pathology; D017563:Lung Diseases, Interstitial / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D012985:Software Design