Evaluation of patients with fibrotic interstitial lung disease: A Canadian Thoracic Society position statement

The evaluation of a patient with fibrotic interstitial lung disease (ILD) includes assessment of clinical, radiological, and often histopathological data. There are currently no specific recommendations to guide the evaluation of a patient with fibrotic ILD within the context of the Canadian practice landscape. This position statement from a multidisciplinary panel of ILD experts provides guidance related to the diagnostic modalities commonly used in the evaluation of fibrotic ILD, including radiological studies, histopathologic sampling, assessment for rheumatologic disease and need for evaluation in a multi-disciplinary setting. Key messages are provided to guide clinical practice based on a thorough review of the scientific literature.