A group of heterogeneous diseases with common clinical, radiographic, and spirometric findings
Characterized by chronic inflammation and fibrosis of the interstitium and lung parenchyma
Symptoms are exertional dyspnea and nonproductive cough
Examination shows the typical fine crackles, evidence of pulmonary hypertension, and clubbing
Chest x-ray: reticular or reticulonodular pattern (ground-glass appearance)
PFTs: restrictive pattern
High-resolution CT scan: linear opacities & honeycombing
Histological confirmation by biopsy is sometimes necessary
