Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic respiratory disease belonging to the group of interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) characterized by a progressive decline in lung function and a specific histopathologic pattern defined as usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) [1]. The term fibrosis refers to the progressive deposition of connective tissue in the pulmonary interstitium with consequent scarring formation and replacement of the healthy elastic pulmonary tissue. This prevents correct lung expansion during respiratory movements and compromises respiratory exchanges, resulting in reduced blood oxygenation, which leads to progressive dyspnea and subsequent death from respiratory failure [1], [2]. Although some genes are associated, especially in familial forms, and exposure to some environmental factors seems to increase the risk of disease, the etiology of IPF is still unknown; thus, the term idiopathic [3], [4]. Generally, IPF affects males in their 60s and 70s with a history of past or current cigarette smoking [5]. Until a few years ago, there were no specific and effective treatments for patients with IPF. The suggested therapy was based on systemic steroids, in some cases associated with immunosuppressants, to reduce pulmonary inflammation [6]. Recent advances in understanding the pathogenesis of IPF, early diagnosis, and new therapeutic trials have contributed to reduce disease progression and to improve quality of life [7], [8]. For this reason, however, an increasing number of patients shows extrapulmonary diseases, including malignancies and chronic pathologies [9].

The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of intestinal diseases such as polyps, colorectal carcinoma (CRC), and chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in a cohort of patients affected by IPF.