Interstitial lung disease (ILD), which includes pulmonary fibrosis, is an under diagnosed and increasingly prevalent respiratory illness. The most common ILDs are idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and autoimmune related ILD associated with connective tissue diseases. Classification and identification of the possible causes of ILD is challenging. Accurate diagnosis is essential as treatment varies by disease entity and may be harmful if used in the wrong patient. Untreated, ILD is often progressive leading to patients’ decreased exercise tolerance, dependence on oxygen and ultimate death. A multidisciplinary team approach has become the standard of care for the diagnosis and management of ILD. At the University of Chicago, we have developed a successful model for the work-up and treatment of these patients, that includes a multidisciplinary team of pulmonologists, radiologists, pathologists and rheumatologists who specialize in ILD.

At this symposium, we plan to showcase our team approach, as well as to guide participants in the diagnosis of the most common types of ILD. Sessions will cover clinical presentation, chest imaging findings and pathology results. Treatment options will be discussed including the use of relatively new anti-fibrotic agents for IPF, previously only treatable by lung transplantation. We will present our multidisciplinary conference in action for selected sample cases.

Event Director:

Steven M. Montner, M.D., Department of Radiology, The University of Chicago

Invited Speakers:

·       Aliya N. Husain, M.D., University of Chicago Medicine

·       Mary Ip, M.D., Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong

·       Mary E. Strek, M.D., University of Chicago Medicine

Faculty Bios:

Please CLICK HERE

Program Rundown:

Please CLICK HERE

Registration:

Please CLICK HERE