Role of HRCT and its advanced techniques in evaluation of interstitial lung diseases in children

Abstract

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) in infants and children comprises a large spectrum of respiratory disorders that are mostly chronic and associated with high morbidity and mortality. These disorders are characterized by inflammatory and fibrotic changes that affect alveolar walls. Typical features of ILD include dyspnea, diffuse infiltrates on chest radiographs, and abnormal pulmonary function tests with restrictive ventilatory defect and/or impaired gas exchange.