Demosthenes Bouros

The field of interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) is one of the most challenging in terms of diagnosis and management. Hypersensitivity pneumonitis represents a major diagnostic conundrum. The disappointing agreement (kw=0·29) between seven multidisciplinary teams from different countries on the diagnosis of hypersensitivity pneumonitis vividly reveals the magnitude of the problem.

The pentraxin protein family comprises three highly conserved plasma proteins synthesised by the liver and known to have pleiotropic properties. Genetic deletion of serum amyloid P-component (SAP) has been associated with increased autoimmune response, fibrotic structural changes, and decreased clearance of apoptotic cells in vitro.

The 2018 official ATS/ERS/JRS/ALAT clinical practice guidelinesfor the diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and the white paper on the diagnostic criteria for IPF by the Fleischner Societyare a big step forward towards our understanding of this enigmatic and serious disease.Both guidelines are based on the evidence and clinical experience gathered since the 2011 ATS/ERS/JRS/ALAT guidelines were published.The ATS/ERS/JRS/ALAT guidelines make strong or conditional recommendations...