What is a common finding on PFTs in patients with Interstitial Lung Disease?

In patients with Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD), a common finding on pulmonary function tests (PFTs) is decreased lung volumes. This condition is characterized by inflammation and scarring of the lung tissue, leading to a stiffening of the lungs. As a result, there is a restriction in lung expansion during inhalation, which is reflected in the PFTs as reduced total lung capacity (TLC) and vital capacity (VC).

This restriction is a hallmark of restrictive lung disease, which differs from obstructive lung diseases where lung volumes might be normal or increased but airflow is compromised. Elevated levels of D-dimer would indicate a different pathology, commonly associated with thromboembolic conditions rather than ILD. Normal PFT results would not align with the expected findings in a patient with Interstitial Lung Disease, as they would typically show some degree of impairment. Therefore, understanding these changes in lung volumes is crucial in diagnosing and managing ILD effectively.