Pulmonary fibrosis is defined as scarring/thickening of the lungs due to formation or development of excess fibrous connective tissue (fibrosis) in the lungs. Due to thickening of lungs breathing will be difficult and blood may not get sufficient oxygen. The cause of Pulmonary fibrosis involves many factors like chronic inflammation, infections, environmental pollutants, exposure to ionizing radiation, chronic conditions such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis. The primary diagnosis of Pulmonary Fibrosis is based on Physical examination, symptoms, medical history of the patient, as well as the medications. For further confirmation majorly in detecting pulmonary fibrosis X-rays of the chest, HRCT or high-resolution CT scan, bronchoscopy, lung biopsy, pulmonary function tests are done. Echocardiogram, CAT scan, and bronchoalveolar lavage might also be used.

Chest X-ray results used only for detection detecting scar tissue but all the patients with pulmonary fibrosis may not show abnormal results. High-resolution computerized tomography (HRCT) provides the presence of scar tissue and the extent of lung damage also helps in early detection of Pulmonary fibrosis. If the patient is sensitive to contrast agents which are used in CT modality then HRCT is not preferable. The choice of modality in these patients will be fast MRI sequences where image quality being close to that of CT.