Recent advances in the aetiology of cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis

Crytogenic fibrosing alveolitis is the commonest interstitial lung disease but, until recently, very little has been known about its aetiology. The hi stopathologist usually sees this disease at transbronchial biopsy or at aut opsy. This article reviews the current knowledge of the aetiology of crypto genic fibrosing alveolitis looking at possible infective, occupational, dru g-related smoking-associated genetic and dietary factors. Knowledge of the possible roles of these factors in the disease process informs histopatholo gists when they are reporting these biopsies and enables them to make a lar ger contribution to defining the pathogenetic mechanisms.