title: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and coronary artery disease.
abstract: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is defined as a chronic fibrosing interstitial disease of unknown cause, limited to the lungs, and associated with the histopathologic and/or radiologic pattern of usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP); it generally progresses into respiratory failure and death. Although progression of the disease is the most common cause of death, there are increasing reports of its association with other pathologies has been reported: e.g., IPF patients seem more susceptible to cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, other pathologies might also influence the natural course. In this paper, we describe a case of IPF and coronary artery disease (CAD). We emphasize the importance of cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) as a useful procedure to monitor disease progression in IPF patients. We also stress the importance of a careful analysis of variables measured for an accurate interpretation of the clinical picture and an improvement of the clinical management of patients. Moreover, we suggest that a careful assessment of CPET parameters may additionally help in the early detection of high cardiovascular ischemic risk.
authors: Pulmonary Division Unit, Cava de' Tirreni, (SA), Italy.
authors: Gaetano
authors: G
authors: Cicchitto
authors: Pulmonary Division Unit, Cava de' Tirreni, (SA), Italy.
authors: Valentina
authors: V
authors: Musella
authors: Cardiology Unit, Nocera, (SA), Italy.
authors: Maria
authors: M
authors: Acitorio
authors: Cardiology Unit, Nocera, (SA), Italy.
authors: Nicola
authors: N
authors: Capuano
authors: Internal Medicine Department, Pulmonary Division Unit, Terni, Italy.
authors: Giuseppe
authors: G
authors: Fiorenzano
authors: Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA ; Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute, Albuquerque, NM, USA.
authors: Caroline A
authors: CA
authors: Owen
authors: Pulmonary Division Unit, Cava de' Tirreni, (SA), Italy.
authors: Mario
authors: M
authors: Polverino
authors: Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA ; Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute, Albuquerque, NM, USA.
authors: Francesca
authors: F
authors: Polverino
keywords: Cardiopulmonary exercise test; Coronary artery disease; Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis