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Sarcoidosis and interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) are chronic conditions that often affect adults and can lead to significant breathing problems, fatigue, and reduced quality of life. Accurate diagnosis and timely treatment are essential but remain challenging due to the complex and often unclear state of these diseases.

This dissertation presents new imaging strategies using advanced PET scans. FDG-PET is a form of imaging that visualizes active inflammation in the lungs, and immuno-PET allows for the targeting of specific immune cells. These methods help doctors distinguish between reversible inflammation and irreversible scarring, a distinction that is crucial for choosing the right treatment.

The research demonstrates that whole-lung quantification using PET imaging provides more precise assessments than traditional imaging techniques. Furthermore, targeting immune cells with a novel PET tracer (89Zr-rituximab) shows promising results in identifying treatment response and resistance in patients with difficult-to-treat lung inflammation.

Together, these innovations help physicians better understand lung diseases, improve diagnostic certainty, and personalize therapy — ultimately aiming to improve outcomes and reduce unnecessary treatment risks.