[Lung involvement in collagen diseases]

Connective tissue diseases are relatively frequently associated with pulmonary manifestations, and should thus always be included in the pneumological differential diagnostic evaluation. The nature and incidence of the various pulmonary forms of manifestation are discussed. Pulmonary accompanying reactions (clinically and radiologically "silent" alveolitis) which, if granulocytic, have proved to represent a negative prognostic factor, must be distinguished from these manifestations. The diagnosis and treatment of the underlying disorder and the pulmonary manifestations are briefly discussed--with respect to treatment, in particular to immunosuppressive or cytostatic agents. It is shown that, today, the diagnostic evaluation generally presents no problems, while treatment often produces unsatisfactory results.