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Updated: May 20, 2026
04:44
Imaging Features of Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease
Published on: June 16, 2020
Lung impairment in scleroderma.
T Piorunek1, B Kuznar-Kaminska, S Cofta
1Department of Pulmonology, University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland. t_piorun@op.pl
Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
|July 25, 2012
Summary
Scleroderma frequently causes lung issues, with most patients showing interstitial lung disease and abnormal lung function. High-resolution CT scans reveal significant lung changes, often correlating with reduced diffusion capacity.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Rheumatology
- Radiology
Background:
- Scleroderma is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by fibrosis.
- Pulmonary involvement, including interstitial lung disease (ILD), is common and impacts patient prognosis.
- Early detection of lung changes and functional deficits is crucial for managing scleroderma patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess radiological lung changes using high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) in scleroderma patients.
- To evaluate the correlation between HRCT findings and pulmonary function tests (PFTs).
- To characterize the prevalence and patterns of interstitial lung disease in scleroderma.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 37 scleroderma patients underwent HRCT, spirometry, body plethysmography, and diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (DLco) testing.
- The Warrick score was used to quantify the extent of interstitial lung disease on HRCT.
- Pulmonary function parameters including total lung capacity (TLC) and DLco were analyzed.
Main Results:
- HRCT revealed septal/subpleural lines in 70%, ground-glass opacities in 51%, and honeycomb lung in 30% of patients.
- A significant majority (92%) exhibited decreased DLco values, indicating impaired gas exchange.
- Restrictive lung patterns were observed in 24% of patients, while obstructive patterns predominated in only 11%.
Conclusions:
- Interstitial lung disease is highly prevalent in scleroderma patients and is associated with significant functional lung abnormalities.
- HRCT is effective in detecting diverse patterns of lung involvement in scleroderma.
- Impaired DLco is a common finding, underscoring the systemic impact of scleroderma on lung function.
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