Impact of pulmonary vascular volume on mortality in IPF: is it time to reconsider the role of vasculature in disease pathogenesis and progression?

[摘要] ExtractWe were pleased to read the letter from E. Puxeddu and co-workers; written in response to our observation that an increased pulmonary vessel volume; derived using quantitative computed tomography (CT) analysis; strongly predicts mortality in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) [1]. E. Puxeddu and his team highlight a selection of studies that have identified pulmonary vascular alterations in IPF; similar to those seen in pulmonary venous occlusive disease (PVOD) and pulmonary capillary haemangiomatosis (PCH) [2xe2x80x934]. They suggest that when considered in the light of these previous reports; our findings add support to the idea that vascular alterations might be the first pathological lesion in IPF preceding; and leading to; fibrogenesis.

[学科分类] 呼吸医学