Interstitial Lung Abnormalities as Incidental Findings on Lung CT

In a meta-analysis, these abnormalities were noted in 7% of computed tomography scans done for lung cancer screening.

The term “interstitial lung abnormalities” (ILAs) is used increasingly to describe certain incidental findings on lung computed tomography (CT). In a position paper published in 2020 on this topic, ILAs were defined as incidentally identified “non-dependent abnormalities, including ground-glass or reticular abnormalities, lung distortion, traction bronchiectasis, honeycombing, and non-emphysematous cysts … involving at least 5% of a lung zone.”

To determine the prevalence of ILAs, researchers conducted this meta-analysis. Findings included the following:

In 10 studies (with 31,000 participants) of lung cancer screening with low-dose CT, overall prevalence of ILAs was 7%.
In 8 “general population” studies (with 57,000 participants), in which co…

Reviewing Author

Allan S. Brett, MD

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

Allan S. Brett, MD

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

Interstitial Lung Abnormalities as Incidental Findings on Lung CT

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Reviewing Author