Pathological differentiation of chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis/usual interstitial pneumonia

Abstract

Centrilobular fibrosis, bridging fibrosis and organizing pneumonia, in addition to bronchiolitis, granulomas and giant cells, are characteristic features of chronic HP with a UIP-like pattern. These features are therefore important in differentiating chronic HP from IPF/UIP, as management strategies differ for the two disorders.