Computed Tomography Findings as Determinants of Local and Systemic Inflammation Biomarkers in Interstitial Lung Diseases: A Retrospective Registry-Based Descriptive Study

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the association of peripheral blood (PBL) and broncho-alveolar lavage (BAL) biomarkers with inflammatory versus fibrotic high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) findings in interstitial lung disease (ILD) patients. Methods HRCT 127 consecutive ILD-board patients were semi-quantitatively evaluated: reticulation/honeycombing (RET), traction bronchiectasis (TBR) emphysema (EMP) classified as non-inflammatory/fibrotic; consolidations (CON), ground glass opacities (GGO), parenchymal nodules (NDL) mosaic attenuation (MOS) active inflammatory. Each finding was assessed six distinct regions, resulting scores graded minimal (0–1 regions involved), medium (2–4) or extensive (5–6). Associations routinely PBL/BAL these evaluated using Spearman correlation coefficients graphical presentation; significance tested by applying Kruskal–Wallis tests. Results Blood neutrophil, lymphocyte eosinophil fraction, neutrophil to ratio (NLR) BAL fraction consistently showed opposite correlations non-inflammatory/fibrotic scores. significantly differed GGO ( p = 0.032) CON 0.027) extent, TBR 0.006) NLR 0.009). C-reactive protein related 0.023) 0.004), 0.017) extent. Conclusion NLR, CRP may aid differentiate from ILD patterns. Trial registration This evaluation based on data registry Kepler University Hospital Linz, approved ethics committee Federal State Upper-Austria (EK Number. I-26-17).