[Interstitial lung disease associated with connective tissue disease].

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Pulmonology
• Radiology
• Pathology

Background:

• Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is the most frequent organ manifestation in rheumatic autoimmune diseases.
• Connective tissue diseases (CTDs) like rheumatoid arthritis and systemic sclerosis often involve lung parenchyma, airways, and vessels.
• Manifestations vary based on the underlying autoimmune condition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the clinical, radiological, and morphological aspects of lung disorders in rheumatic autoimmune diseases.
• To emphasize the importance of high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) and biopsy for diagnosing ILDs.
• To highlight the necessity of a multidisciplinary approach for effective ILD management.

Main Methods:

• Review of clinical, radiological, and morphological findings in ILDs associated with rheumatic diseases.
• Emphasis on HRCT as the gold standard for diagnosis and differentiation of interstitial pneumonias.
• Discussion of biopsy techniques (transbronchial, surgical, cryobiopsy) for histological confirmation.

Main Results:

• ILD presents diverse affections of lung parenchyma, airways, and vessels in CTDs.
• HRCT is essential for diagnosing and differentiating various ILDs, including idiopathic interstitial pneumonias (IIPs).
• Histological confirmation through biopsy is vital for unclassifiable cases.

Conclusions:

• Precise diagnosis of ILDs in rheumatic diseases is critical due to varied therapeutic options.
• A multidisciplinary team including pulmonologists, rheumatologists, radiologists, and pathologists is essential for optimal ILD management.
• Accurate diagnosis guides tailored treatment strategies for patients with rheumatic autoimmune diseases and ILD.