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The shortcomings of qualitative visual assessment have led to the development of computer-based tools to characterise and quantify disease on high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) in patients with interstitial lung diseases (ILDs). Quantitative CT (QCT) software enables quantification of patterns on HRCT with results that are objective, reproducible, sensitive to change and predictive of disease progression. Applications developed to provide a diagnosis or pattern classification are mainly based on artificial intelligence. Deep learning, which identifies patterns in high-dimensional data and maps them to segmentations or outcomes, can be used to identify the imaging patterns that most accurately predict disease progression. Optimisation of QCT software will require the implementation of protocol standards to generate data of sufficient quality for use in computerised applications and the identification of diagnostic, imaging and physiological features that are robustly associated with mortality for use as anchors in the development of algorithms. Consortia such as the Open Source Imaging Consortium have a key role to play in the collation of imaging and clinical data that can be used to identify digital imaging biomarkers that inform diagnosis, prognosis and response to therapy.

The Clinical Techniques, Imaging and Endoscopy Assembly is involved in the diagnosis and treatment of several pulmonary diseases, as demonstrated at the 2023 European Respiratory Society (ERS) International Congress in Milan, Italy. From interventional pulmonology, the congress included several exciting results for the use of bronchoscopy in lung cancer, including augmented fluoroscopy, robotic-assisted bronchoscopy and cryobiopsies. In obstructive lung disease, the latest results on bronchoscopic treatment of emphysema with hyperinflation and chronic bronchitis were presented. Research on using cryobiopsies to diagnose interstitial lung disease was further explored, with the aims of elevating diagnostic yield and minimising risk. For imaging, the latest updates in using artificial intelligence to overcome the increased workload of radiologists were of great interest. Novel imaging in sarcoidosis explored the use of magnetic resonance imaging, photon-counting computed tomography and positron emission tomography/computed tomography in the diagnostic work-up. Lung cancer screening is still a hot topic and new results were presented regarding incorporation of biomarkers, identifying knowledge gaps and improving screening programmes. The use of ultrasound in respiratory medicine is an expanding field, which was demonstrated by the large variety in studies presented at the 2023 ERS Congress. Ultrasound of the diaphragm in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and myasthenia gravis was used to assess movements and predict respiratory fatigue. Furthermore, studies using ultrasound to diagnose or monitor pulmonary disease were presented. The congress also included studies regarding the training and assessment of competencies as an important part of implementing ultrasound in clinical practice.

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is a complex and heterogeneous interstitial lung disease (ILD) that occurs when susceptible individuals develop an exaggerated immune response to an inhaled antigen. In this review, we discuss the latest guidelines for the diagnostic evaluation of patients with suspected HP, the importance of identifying patients with fibrotic and progressive disease, and the evidence supporting the drugs commonly used in the treatment of HP. Differential diagnosis of HP can be challenging and requires a thorough exposure history, multidisciplinary discussion of clinical and radiologic data, and, in some cases, assessment of bronchoalveolar lavage lymphocytosis and histopathologic findings. Patients with HP may be categorised as having non-fibrotic or fibrotic HP. The presence of fibrosis is associated with worse outcomes. A proportion of patients with fibrotic HP develop a progressive phenotype, characterised by worsening fibrosis, decline in lung function and early mortality. There are no established guidelines for the treatment of HP. Antigen avoidance should be implemented wherever possible. Immunosuppressants are commonly used in patients with HP but have not been shown to slow the worsening of fibrotic disease. Nintedanib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for slowing the progression of chronic fibrosing ILDs with a progressive phenotype, including progressive fibrotic HP. Non-pharmacological interventions, such as oxygen therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation and supportive care, may be important components of the overall care of patients with progressive HP.

Introduction Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) and its most common form, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), are chronic, progressive diseases resulting in increasing loss of lung function and impaired quality of life and survival. The aim of this joint expert and patient statement was to highlight the most pressing common unmet needs of patients with PF/IPF, putting forward recommendations to improve the quality of life and health outcomes throughout the patient journey. Methods Two online surveys for patients and healthcare professionals (HCPs) were conducted by the European Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and Related Disorders Federation (EU-IPFF) in 14 European countries. Results The surveys were answered by 286 patients and 69 HCPs, including physicians and nurses. Delays in diagnosis and timely access to interstitial lung disease specialists and pharmacological treatment have been identified as important gaps in care. Additionally, patients and HCPs reported that a greater focus on symptom-centred management, adequate information, trial information and increasing awareness of PF/IPF is required. Conclusions The surveys offer important insights into the current unmet needs of PF/IPF patients. Interventions at different points of the care pathway are needed to improve patient experience.