Unlike diseases of the airways, interstitial lung diseases in childhood are
exceedingly rare and are usually associated with significant morbidity and
mortality. Interstitial lung disease in the paediatric age group is a part
icular diagnostic challenge because the clinical presentation and radiograp
hic features are so non-specific. High resolution computed tomography (HRCT
) has proved its worth in adults with interstitial lung disease and has a r
ole, albeit more limited, in the non-invasive evaluation of paediatric inte
rstitial lung disease. (C) 2000 The Royal College of Radiologists.