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Ultraschall Med
DOI: 10.1055/a-2785-1857
Review

Thoracic Ultrasound applicability in the assessment of patients with fibrosing interstitial lung diseases: a systematic review.

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Authors

  • Sanjeewa Patabendige 

    1   Odense Respiratory Research Unit (ODIN),Department of Clinical Research,University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark (Ringgold ID: RIN11286)
    2   South Danish Center for Interstitial Lung Diseases (SCILS), Department of Respiratory Medicine, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark (Ringgold ID: RIN11286)
    3   PUlmo-RhEuma Frontline Center (PURE), Department of Respiratory Medicine, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark (Ringgold ID: RIN11286)

  • Casper Falster 

    4   Odense Respiratory Research Unit (ODIN), Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark (Ringgold ID: RIN11286)

  • Henrik Z Langkilde

    5   Research Unit of Rheumatology, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark., Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark (Ringgold ID: RIN11286)

  • Stefan MW Harders

    6   Department of Radiology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark (Ringgold ID: RIN11286)

  • Elisabeth Bendstrup

    7   Center for Rare Lung Diseases, Department of Respiratory Diseases and Allergy, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark (Ringgold ID: RIN11297)
    8   Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark (Ringgold ID: RIN11297)

  • Michael T Durheim

    9   Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, North Carolina., Duke University Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, United States (Ringgold ID: RIN169142)
    10   Department of Respiratory Medicine, Rikshospitalet, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway (Ringgold ID: RIN155272)

  • Jesper Rømhild Rømhild Davidsen 

    11   Odense Respiratory Research Unit (ODIN), Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark,, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark (Ringgold ID: RIN11286)
    2   South Danish Center for Interstitial Lung Diseases (SCILS), Department of Respiratory Medicine, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark (Ringgold ID: RIN11286)
    3   PUlmo-RhEuma Frontline Center (PURE), Department of Respiratory Medicine, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark (Ringgold ID: RIN11286)

Supported by: This project was funded by a research grant from Boehringer Ingelheim Denmark A/S. N/A
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Purpose: Fibrosing interstitial lung diseases (F-ILD), which include idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and other ILDs conferring risk for progressive pulmonary fibrosis (PPF), are a heterogeneous group of diseases with multiple subtypes. A multidisciplinary team discussion (MDD) incorporating HRCT is considered the gold standard for diagnosing and quantifying pulmonary fibrosis. However, repeated HRCTs are associated with substantial costs and radiation exposure. Thoracic ultrasound (TUS) has emerged as a potential radiation-free method for diagnosing and monitoring disease severity in F-ILD. Yet, consistent knowledge regarding the use of TUS in patients with F-ILD remains limited. This systematic review aimed to evaluate existing literature on the applicability of TUS in patients with F-ILD. Materials and Methods: We performed a systematic review according to PRISMA guidelines. MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and Cochrane library databases were searched. Prospective, cross-sectional, and retrospective studies were considered. Risk of bias was assessed using quality assessment of diagnostic accuracy studies 2 (QUADAS-2). Results: Six studies met inclusion criteria. All examined patients with IPF, and two included other F-ILD subtypes. The most frequently evaluated TUS findings were B-lines and pleural line irregularities. However, there was marked heterogeneity in TUS methodology and protocols, precluding meta-analysis. Conclusion: Although the preliminary findings in this review suggest TUS may have potential utility in this patient group, available data on TUS in F-ILD are sparse and heterogeneous, highlighting the need for further research.



Publication History

Received: 26 September 2025

Accepted after revision: 09 January 2026

Accepted Manuscript online:
12 January 2026

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