Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF): Diagnosis

This information was reviewed and approved by Jeffrey James Swigris, DO, MS (9/1/2017).

The first step in diagnosing IPF is a thorough evaluation. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis can be diagnosed only after ruling out other lung diseases.

Transcript

Depending whether a patient is coming from out of state or locally, they can expect a number of tests to be performed while they’re here, a high resolution CT scan, first and foremost.

Supine, so when a patient is laying on his or her back as well as prone images, images taken with the patient laying on the stomach, are really important to get a good view of the backs of the lungs.

Breathing tests, of course, will be conducted.

Transthoracic echocardiogram or ultrasound test of the heart gives us a good idea of the heart function and size and we can even get an estimate of the blood pressure inside the lungs using the heart ultrasound.

Other tests might include an assessment of whether acid or non-acidic reflux, gastro-oesophageal reflux is present.

And because sleep apnea is so common in this population, we often conduct sleep studies while the patients are here.

In addition, to help rule out other causes of pulmonary fibrosis, a large battery of blood tests is commonly drawn.

When the diagnosis of IPF is suspected, your doctor may have you do a number of tests. These may include:

A complete medical history
A complete physical examination
Chest imaging, including a chest X-ray and high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scan
Pulmonary function tests
Arterial blood gas
Exercise test and/or an assessment of blood oxygen levels during exertion
Blood tests looking for hints at the cause of the lung disease
Bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage
Surgical lung biopsy

Your doctor may order other tests based on your history and physical exam.

You and your health care provider may choose to have you seen by a specialist, such as a pulmonologist (lung specialist) to confirm a diagnosis and treat your IPF once it’s diagnosed.

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