TY - JOUR T1 - The role of high-resolution computed tomography in the follow-up of diffuse lung disease JF - European Respiratory Review JO - EUROPEAN RESPIRATORY REVIEW DO - 10.1183/16000617.0008-2017 VL - 26 IS - 144 SP - 170008 AU - Brett M. Elicker AU - Kimberly G. Kallianos AU - Travis S. Henry Y1 - 2017/06/30 UR - http://err.ersjournals.com/content/26/144/170008.abstract N2 - High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of the lung is a key component of the multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis in diffuse lung disease (DLD). HRCT also plays an important role in the follow-up of patients with established DLD. In this respect, serial HRCT examinations may provide valuable information that cannot be determined from clinical history and other diagnostic tests, such as pulmonary function tests. Important roles of HRCT in this context include assisting in determining prognosis, monitoring for the efficacy of treatment, detecting progression of disease or complications, and evaluating patients with worsening or acute symptoms. Both clinicians and radiologists should be aware of the expected evolution of HRCT changes in a variety of DLDs. The goals of this paper are to discuss: 1) the expected evolution of HRCT findings over time in common DLDs; 2) the role of serial HRCT examinations in formulating an initial diagnosis; and 3) the role of HRCT in the follow-up of patients with known DLD.HRCT plays an important role in the follow-up of patients with diffuse lung disease http://ow.ly/wzY730c2gRO ER -