All CT scans were obtained in the supine position using one of the following scanners: SOMATOM Perspective, SOMATOM Spirit, or SOMATOM Definition AS+ (Siemens Healthineers, Forchheim, Germany). Scans were conducted from the level of the upper thoracic inlet to the inferior level of the costophrenic angle, and images were reconstructed with a slice thickness of 1 or 1.5 mm.
For each patient, predominant CT patterns such as GGO, consolidation, reticulation, emphysema, thickening of the adjacent pleura, pleural effusion, presence of nodules or masses, honeycombing, bronchiectasis, and interlobar pleural traction were independently reviewed by two experienced observers according to the Fleischner Society glossary (21 (link)). CT evidence of fibrotic-like changes was defined as the presence of traction bronchiectasis, parenchymal bands (22 (link)), and/or honeycombing (21 (link), 23 (link), 24 (link)). To quantify the extent of pulmonary abnormalities (GGO, consolidation, reticulation, and fibrotic-like changes), a semiquantitative CT score (25 (link)) was assigned on the basis of the area involved in each of the five lung lobes (right upper, middle, and lower, and left upper and lower lobes): 0, no involvement; 1, <5%; 2, 5–25%; 3, 26–49%; 4, 50–75%, and 5, >75%. Total CT score was calculated by summing the individual lobar scores (possible scores range from 0 to 25).
For each patient, predominant CT patterns such as GGO, consolidation, reticulation, emphysema, thickening of the adjacent pleura, pleural effusion, presence of nodules or masses, honeycombing, bronchiectasis, and interlobar pleural traction were independently reviewed by two experienced observers according to the Fleischner Society glossary (21 (link)). CT evidence of fibrotic-like changes was defined as the presence of traction bronchiectasis, parenchymal bands (22 (link)), and/or honeycombing (21 (link), 23 (link), 24 (link)). To quantify the extent of pulmonary abnormalities (GGO, consolidation, reticulation, and fibrotic-like changes), a semiquantitative CT score (25 (link)) was assigned on the basis of the area involved in each of the five lung lobes (right upper, middle, and lower, and left upper and lower lobes): 0, no involvement; 1, <5%; 2, 5–25%; 3, 26–49%; 4, 50–75%, and 5, >75%. Total CT score was calculated by summing the individual lobar scores (possible scores range from 0 to 25).
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