Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) Program
Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) is a term that describes a group of conditions that cause scarring and inflammation in the lungs. The most important of those is idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, also know as IPF. Our program provides timely diagnosis, expert treatment and supportive care for these complex and rare disorders. As the only clinic of its kind in the region, our program is led by renowned physician-scientist Patricia Sime, M.D., FRCP. Other providers involved include Apostolos Perelas, M.D.; Vipul Patel M.D.; Jordan Shanley, P.A., Peter Jackson, M.D and Sarah Goodwin R.N. We also collaborate with other specialties, such as rheumatology, to offer convenient, specialty care for qualifying patients in our practices throughout the Richmond metropolitan area.
Treating a Range of Interstitial Lung Diseases
Our ILD medical team has the expertise and skill to provide comprehensive guidance to our patients during the diagnosis, treatment and management of of these complex disorders.
The conditions most commonly treated include:
- Bronchiolitis obliterans
- Connective tissue disease-associated interstitial lung disease
- Cystic lung disease
- Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HSP)
- Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF)
- Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM)
- Lymphocytic interstitial pneumonitis
- Non-specific interstitial pneumonia
- Organizing pneumonia
- Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis
- Scleroderma lung disease
- Smoking related interstitial lung disease
Providing the Full Spectrum of Lung Disease Care
The major aim of our program is to deliver timely, efficient and patient-centered care in individuals with interstitial lung disease. Our multidisciplinary approach incorporates the expertise of pulmonologists, radiologists, rheumatologists, pathologists and thoracic surgeons to provide comprehensive treatment.
In cases where the diagnosis is still in question after the initial evaluation, we offer both surgical biopsy and transbronchial cryobiopsy, a novel minimally invasive technique that can offer a diagnosis without the need for hospitalization. Biopsy specimens are evaluated by our pathologists experienced in thoracic diseases and are reviewed with a multi-disciplinary team at our monthly conference. Thus, we are able to reach a diagnosis and develop a treatment plan in a timely manner.
For treatment of interstitial lung disease, our team is experienced in using the newest state-of-the-art therapies. We also emphasize the role of pulmonary rehabilitation therapy as a modality to improve functionality and the quality of life. Moreover, eligible patients can qualify for participation in clinical trials of potentially groundbreaking treatments.
Follow up, including chest CTs, pulmonary function testing and pulmonary rehabilitation can be performed at our state-of-the-art facilities around the greater Richmond area.
We have been accredited by the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation and the LAM Foundation as a Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation care center and a LAM clinic, respectively. This distinction is given to centers with proven expertise in care management and after a vigorous review process. VCU Health is one of the two health systems in Virginia to receive this dual accreditation. We work closely with these organizations to promote patient care, disease awareness and research.
What Patients Can Expect Under Our Care
The Path to Our ILD Care
Because of the nature of interstitial lung diseases, patients will usually be referred to us by their primary care provider, rheumatologist or pulmonologist (though patients can schedule through self referral or for second opinions). If available, patients should bring their images and lung function tests with them to their first appointment. A new chest CT and new pulmonary function tests may also be ordered prior to or at the first appointment.
What to Expect at Your First Appointment
The first appointment is typically in person with a pulmonary physician, but telehealth options are available as well. Patients will either be instructed to have imaging and breathing tests before or on the day of their first visit. Depending on the results of the initial consultation, a patient may need to be referred for a biopsy with a short-term follow-up or start therapy. Patients will also be educated on the natural history, pathogenesis and treatment of their disease. On average, first appointments are expected to last for about one hour, however this time frame may need to be extended depending on the specific characteristics of each case.
Multidisciplinary Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
For diagnosis, patients will have access to a multidisciplinary team of radiologists, pulmonologists, pathologists and rheumatologists. Often, lab work will be ordered to inform a diagnosis. A treatment plan is then developed by the care team.
Continuum of Care
After beginning treatment, each patient’s continuum of care will be personalized based on their needs. Frequent monitoring of medications and lab work can be expected.
Throughout treatment, our providers make it a priority to communicate with each patient’s referring provider to ensure continuity of care. Follow-up visits typically occur every 3 to 6 months with breathing tests and/or imaging tests as clinically indicated.
Clinical Trials
As leaders in pulmonary research, our providers participate in the development of better treatment options for patients living with interstitial lung diseases. In addition to traditional therapies, our program offers clinical trials – unique access to promising new medications, procedures and therapies.
While all patients benefit from the resulting science, patient participation in clinical trials is always voluntary.
Learn about ongoing research projects in the Sime Laboratory
Active Clinical Trials
Referring Patients to the Interstitial Lung Disease Program
Referrals can be made by calling our direct line (804) 628-7155. Or, call our patient appointment center at (804) 828-2161. Press 4 to schedule an appointment, then press 3 for pulmonary.
Fax: (804) 560-8992
We are proud to be a Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation Care Center Network Site and an accredited LAM Clinic
VCU Health is part of the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation’s (PFF) National Care Center Network. The PFF Care Center Network is a group of 74 medical centers with expertise in accurately diagnosing and treating individuals with pulmonary fibrosis (PF) and interstitial lung disease (ILD).
VCU Health is designated as one of the 39 LAM Clinics in the country and only one of two in Virginia. This means we have proven expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of lymphangiomyomatosis and cystic lung disease.
Learn more about this designation.
Resources:
Please visit the websites below for further information on ILD.
- The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation
- The American Lung Association
- American Thoracic Society
- Breath Matters
Meet the Team
Apostolos Perelas, MD
Pulmonary Disease and Critical Care Medicine
Patricia J. Sime, MD
Pulmonary Disease and Critical Care Medicine