ObjectiveTo investigate the correlation between brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and cardiopulmonary function, as well as explore prognostic value of BNP in patients with interstitial lung disease(ILD). MethodsThe clinical data of ILD patients admitted between February 2010 and April 2013 were retrospectively analyzed.The relationship between serum BNP level and cardiopulmonary function was analyzed by Pearson's or Spearman's rank correlation test.Meanwhile, the patients were divided into a survivor group and a death group, as well as a pulmonary hypertention (PH) group and a normal group respectively.Clinical data were compared between two groups. ResultsThere were 38 patients included in the study.BNP concentration was correlated with echocardiographic indices of right heart function, including systolic pressure of pulmonary artery, right atrial inlet diameter, right ventricular inlet diameter, and right ventricular end-diastollc diameter (P < 0.05), but not correlated with echocardiographic parameters of left heart function (P > 0.05).BNP was also correlated with DLCO%pred.BNP and right heart function parameters except right atrial inlet diameter were significantly higher, and DLCO%pred, were significantly lower in the death group and the PH group than those in the survivor group and the normal group (P < 0.05). ConclusionsSerum BNP concentration can reflect right heart function appropriately, suggesting pulmonary vascular impairment in ILD patients contributes to increased pulmonary vascular resistance.Elevated BNP levels are associated with increased mortality and poor prognosis in patients with ILD.