Evaluation of Autoimmune Features in Patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and Pathologic Usual Interstitial Pneumonia: Implications for CT Patterns and Prognosis

This study evaluated the clinical, radiologic, and prognostic implications of interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features (IPAF) in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and pathologic usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP). Involving 210 patients, the study compared CT patterns and autoimmune features and analyzed overall survival based on IPAF classification. Certain autoimmune features, such as CTD-UIP CT signs and lymphoid follicles, were associated with better survival, whereas IPAF classification itself was not significantly linked to overall survival. Quantitative CT analysis of fibrosis extent was performed using Aview software from Coreline Soft. The findings suggest that autoimmune features may define a favorable prognostic subgroup and indicate a need for revision of the current IPAF classification criteria.