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Current diagnosis, epidemiology, and management of interstitial lung abnormalities

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Interstitial lung abnormalities (ILAs) are incidental nondependent radiologic findings that may portend early or future interstitial lung disease (ILD), but do not meet specific criteria at the time of presentation. They are subclinical by definition and found more commonly in older ever-smokers undergoing computed tomography (CT) imaging for other indications, including cardiac or lung cancer screening programs. As ILA prevalence increases, driven by an aging population and heightened awareness in younger patients, understanding risk factors for their development and progression has gained recent interest, particularly for optimizing subsequent ILD outcomes. This narrative review summarizes current ILA definitions, epidemiology, risk stratification, and management, while highlighting current challenges and knowledge gaps.

Source: Frontiers in Medicine

DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2026.1732754

Authors: Teng Moua, Misbah Baqir, Vasilios Tzilas, Jay H. Ryu

Institutions: Mayo Clinic, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, University General Hospital Attikon

Language: English

Topic: Interstitial Lung Diseases and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801