6th May 2025

A 86-year-old man presents with dyspnoea on exertion associated with a dry cough.

A 86-year-old man presents with dyspnoea on exertion associated with a dry cough. He is an ex-smoker. On examination, his oxygen saturations are 96% on room air, respiratory rate is 18 breaths per minute and he has bilateral fine crackles on auscultation of the chest. 

NT-proBNP levels = 213pg/mL

Spirometry readings:

FEV1 = 1.57 

FVC = 1.63

FEV1/FVC = 96%

Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

Select the SINGLE most appropriate option from the list below. Select ONE option only.