[Early detection of fibrosing alveolitis in collagenoses]

Lung function tests during a five-year follow-up were performed on 29 patients with various collagen diseases. At the beginning of the study none of the patients had signs of any pulmonary dysfunction. The onset of fibrosing alveolitis was accompanied by a marked reduction of the diffusing capacity for CO and a more minor alteration of the static specific compliance. The vital capacity and the pO2 at rest changed only in cases of advanced pulmonary fibrosis.