Abstract Background Interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) comprise a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by inflammation and fibrosis of the lung parenchyma. High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) and pulmonary function tests (PFTs) are essential tools for their diagnosis and monitoring. Puducherry and its surrounding coastal regions have distinct environmental and occupational exposures, including agricultural allergens, textile-related aerosols, and high humidity patterns, which may influence ILD distribution and severity. Data from this region are limited, highlighting the need for localized structure–function analysis. Methods This cross-sectional observational study enrolled 72 patients with various ILDs. All participants underwent HRCT chest imaging with semiquantitative scoring of abnormalities and comprehensive pulmonary function testing including spirometry and diffusion ability measurement. Correlations between CT severity scores and pulmonary function parameters were analyzed, along with comparisons across different ILD subtypes and smoking status categories. Results The cohort (mean age 58.58 ± 16.89 years, 59.7% male) included patients with non-specific interstitial pneumonia (34.7%), usual interstitial pneumonia (26.3%), connective tissue disease-associated ILD (23.6%), hypersensitivity pneumonitis (8.3%), and sarcoidosis (6.9%). Ground-glass opacities were the most prevalent HRCT finding (79.2%). Mean pulmonary function values revealed moderate restriction FVC 71.66 ± 16.06% predicted, FEV 1 65.39 ± 16.52% predicted, DLCO 61.71 ± 18.75% predicted. A significant negative correlation was found between CT severity score and FEV 1 % predicted (r = − 0.245, p = 0.038), but not with other pulmonary function parameters. Different ILD subtypes showed variations in CT severity scores, with HP having the highest (18.06 ± 8.78) and sarcoidosis the lowest (9.54 ± 8.71) scores (p = 0.051). Current smokers demonstrated a trend toward higher CT severity scores despite relatively preserved FVC. Conclusion This study provides region-specific insights from a tertiary care center in Puducherry, highlighting complex relationships between radiological severity and functional impairment in ILDs. The findings reinforce the importance of integrating HRCT and PFTs for comprehensive assessment and support the need for individualized, context-specific interpretation. Regional environmental and exposure profiles may contribute to disease patterns, justifying the relevance of location-based analysis in ILD research.
Arunpandian et al. (Sat,) studied this question.