DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2018.v06i06.052

Pages: 2574-2581

DPLD is a category comprising a series of entities with similar clinical, radiologic, and lung function presentations, in which the principal pathological alterations affect the interstitial alveolar structures. Diagnosis can be made by the combination of clinical and roentgenographic features and pulmonary function tests. Aims and objectives of present study are to study the clinical and radiological presentations of all DPLD cases and correlate the history and clinical profile of the patients of DPLD with the radiological extent of the disease. It is hospital based observational study; data were taken from all the patients attending to the OPD and IPD of the GSL Medical College, Rajahmundry over a period of 2 years. We included all the patients with abnormal chest X – Ray findings showing diffuse parenchymal lesions. Detailed clinical history, physical examination, chest X – Ray, HRCT thorax, spirometry, 6 minute walk test and laboratory investigations were done. Total 30 patients were satisfied the inclusion criteria and gave the consent, of those peak age incidence was found between 51 – 60 yr, females predominant , more patients were presented between 1-3 years , most common symptom is cough and breathlessness , most patients have history of smoking, X – Ray lesions are mostly reticular type involved mostly lower and mid zones, spirometry shows predominantly moderately severe restriction. This study suggests that interstitial lung diseases are not uncommon in India. Interstitial lung disease must be suspect with specific symptoms, signs and further investigations like chest X-ray, HRCT chest and blood investigations should be done. Detailed occupational history, family history and drug history should be taken specific tests must be done to rule out autoimmune diseases which may be culprit for this disease. Increased awareness would serve to provide early diagnosis and this may impact on high mortality rate of this disease.