[SARS-CoV-2-Infection and Interstitial Lung Disease: Position paper of the German Respiratory Society]

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic had a tremendous impact on diagnosis and treatment of interstitial lung diseases (ILD). Especially in the early phase of the pandemic, when the delta variant was prevailling, a huge number of viral pneumonias were observed, which worsened pre-existing, triggered de novo occurence or discovery of previously subclincal interstitial lung diseases. The effect of SARS-CoV-2 infection - without or with accompanying viral pneumonia - on the further development of pre-existing ILD as well of new pulmonary inflitrates and consolidiations is difficult to predict and poses a daily challenge to interdisciplinary ILD boards. This position paper of the German Respiratory Society (DGP e.V.) provides answers to the most pressing questions based on current knowledge.

• • Behr, J.

Berger, M.

Blum, T. G.

Bonella, F.

Dinkel, J.

Gläser, S.

Hagmeyer, L.

Kneidinger, N.

Koschel, D.

Prasse, A.

Slevogt, H.

Stacher-Priehse, E.

Woehrle, H.

Kreuter, M.