Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: past, present, future—a review from Talmadge King’s ATS 2016 presentation

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) represents a large and heterogeneous group of parenchymal lung diseases. ILD is characterized by diffuse “infiltrates” on radiographic imaging, architectural distortion of the gas exchange units by histology and evidence of restriction of lung volumes [FVC] and impairment of gas exchange [DLCO] on pulmonary function testing. A precise and timely diagnosis of the cause of the ILD is critical for effective management. The present review covers the presentation entitled “idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF): Past, Present, Future,” that was provided by Dr. Talmadge King at the 2016 American Thoracic Society International Conference.