pulmonary fibrosis

[bbc623]

I was recently diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis.  The CT scan impression:  minimal bibasilar scar. Plate-like atelectasis. pleural and cardiomegaly.  What does this all mean?

[Ladybug2124]

A related discussion, Parenchymal Scarring was started.

[National Jewish]

Pulmonary fibrosis is one form of interstitial lung disease (ILD).  This causes inflammation or swelling that leads to scarring or fibrosis in the interstitium of the lungs.  The interstitium is the area between the air sacs and the blood vessels.  Usually this scarring is spread throughout both lungs.  Your CT scan impression says that there is a small amount of scarring in the bottom of both of your lungs.

You should ask your doctor to describe the extent of the scarring.  Pulmonary function tests will measure the effect of the scarring on your lung function.

Atelectasis is an area of the lung that is not fully expanded, so it is getting less air.  This is often referred to as a collapsed area of the lung.

Cardiomegaly means the heart is larger than usual.  In most instances this would be a problem with the heart separate from the scarring in the lungs.  You will need further testing of your heart, including an echocardiogram.

Please talk with your doctor about all of this.

[LLRT]

First, lets explain what you've got...Pulmonary Fibrosis involves scarring of the lung. Gradually, the air sacs of the lungs, called alveoli (allveeohhlii) (pronounced I as in pie), become replaced by fibrotic tissue. When the scar forms, the tissue becomes thicker causing an irreversible loss of the tissue