A Practical Multidisciplinary Approach to Identifying Interstitial Lung Disease in Systemic Autoimmune Rheumatic...

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology and Pulmonology
• Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases
• Interstitial Lung Disease

Background:

• Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a frequent and potentially fatal complication of systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARDs).
• ILD manifestations, prevalence, and progression vary significantly across different SARDs.
• Understanding these variations is crucial for timely diagnosis and management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent literature on the specific characteristics of ILD in various SARDs.
• To emphasize the role of multidisciplinary teams in early ILD diagnosis and management.
• To outline the clinical approach for progressive ILD phenotypes in SARDs.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on recent data.
• Analysis of ILD specificity in systemic sclerosis (SSc), idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Sjögren's syndrome (SjS), mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD), and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
• Emphasis on clinical, paraclinical, and evolutionary features.

Main Results:

• Each SARD presents unique ILD clinical patterns, imaging findings, and natural history.
• Identified risk factors offer predictive value for ILD development.
• Multidisciplinary team involvement is key for optimal ILD care in SARDs.

Conclusions:

• ILD is a significant concern in SARDs, with disease-specific nuances.
• Early, multidisciplinary management is essential for improving outcomes in SARD-associated ILD.
• Tailored clinical strategies are needed for progressive ILD phenotypes.