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Updated: Jul 13, 2025

Imaging Features of Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease
Published on: June 16, 2020
Respiratory involvement in connective tissue diseases
Panagiota Xanthouli1, Ishan Echampati2, Hanns-Martin Lorenz3
1Centre for Pulmonary Hypertension, Thoraxklinik Heidelberg gGmbH at Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany; Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine V: Hematology, Oncology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; Translational Lung Research Centre Heidelberg, Member of the German Centre for Lung Research, Germany.
Abstract:
Pulmonary involvement is doubtless one the most fatal organ manifestations of the autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARD) and involves the parenchyma, the vessels, the respiratory system itself, but also the muscles and the pleura. Close and regular screening assessments, identification of risk factors, clinical signs associated with the existence of lung disease should alarm the involved physicians treating these patients. The accurate classification is essential, as different treatment options are nowadays available. Pulmonary manifestations of ARD will be analyzed in this review article with special emphasis on interstitial lung disease and pulmonary hypertension.
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