Prevalence and Characterization of Pulmonary Manifestations in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBDs)

Presenter: Chiara Contin (Italy)

Extra-intestinal manifestations affect up to half of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients, although lung involvement is generally considered uncommon. This study aimed to prospectively evaluate the clinical, radiological, and functional prevalence of lung involvement in IBD patients.

Between January and November 2024, IBD patients under regular follow-up completed the ATS-DLD-78-A questionnaire (Q). Based on Q scores, patients were divided into Group 1 (scores ≥3 and <6) and Group 2 (scores ≥6). Among 116 IBD patients, 49 (42%) reported chronic respiratory symptoms. Symptomatic patients were younger (average age 39 years) than asymptomatic ones (51 years). Of 42 patients assessed, 10 showed radiological abnormalities, predominantly bronchiectasis (50%) and parenchymal consolidations (30%). A decreased diffusion lung capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) percentage predicted was found in 60% of cases. Patients in the highly symptomatic Group 2 (18/42, 43%) had higher blood lymphocyte counts [2.46×10⁹/L (1.68–4.25) vs 1.69 (0.81–3.79), p=0.02] and were less frequently treated with mesalazine (56% vs 92%, p<0.01) than Group 1.

Although clear functional impairment was not evident, the frequent reduction in DLCO coupled with symptoms and imaging findings suggests pulmonary involvement in IBD is likely more prevalent than previously recognized.

Ref: European Respiratory Society Congress 2025, September 27 - October 1, Amsterdam, Netherlands