Acute Exacerbation of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is most common idiopathic interstitial pneumonias. IIPF is often seen in elderly smoker man. Diagnosis of IPF is integration of detailed clinical history, specific physical examination, laboratory findings, pulmonary function test, chest high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) and pathology. IPF have heterogeneous clinical course from asymptomatic stable state to progressive respiratory failure or acute exacerbation (AE). AE of IPF have several important differential diagnosis such as heart failure and volume overload. International working project proposed new criteria of AE of IPF in 2016. They divided into triggered and idiopathic AE. On the basis of this criteria, physician can capture AE of IPF more easily. Recent international IPF guideline emphasized the utility of chest HRCT. In addition, two anti-fibrotic agents have been available. We should pay attention to not only management of AE, but also prevention it. I review diagnostic process, laboratory findings, typical chest imaging, management and prognosis of AE.