Objective: To determine the prevalence of osteophyte induced lung fibrosis (OIF) and its relationship to osteophyte size, location, and surrounding fat.
Methods: 94 CT scans of the chest were reviewed, size of the largest osteophyte and the presence of fibrosis were recorded.
Results: Presence of fibrosis was higher among patient with large (>10 mm) osteophytes compared to those with small (1-10mm) osteophytes. Age and presence of periosteophyte fat were significantly associated with presence of fibrosis.
Conclusions: As the size of an osteophyte increases, there is a greater likelihood of lung fibrosis. Subpleural fat protects the lung from OIF.
Keywords: Osteophyte; Pulmonary fibrosis; UIP; Usual interstitial pneumonitis.
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