Interstitial Lung Disease Associated with Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases: An Experience from Türkiye.

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Pulmonology
• Immunology

Background:

• Interstitial lung disease (ILD) poses significant challenges in autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARDs), leading to high morbidity and mortality.
• Understanding the specific characteristics of ARD-associated ILD (ARD-ILD) is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the demographic, serological, and radiological findings of patients with ARD-ILD.
• To identify the most common rheumatic diseases and radiological patterns associated with ILD.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive, retrospective study was conducted.
• Data on demographics, clinical, laboratory, radiological, and histopathological findings were collected from patient charts.

Main Results:

• 212 patients with ARD-ILD were evaluated; 81.1% were female.
• Systemic sclerosis (53.8%) was the most frequent ARD, followed by rheumatoid arthritis (22.2%).
• Nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) (71.7%) was the predominant radiological pattern, followed by usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) patterns (22.2%). Interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features (IPAF) was also noted.

Conclusions:

• Systemic sclerosis is the primary driver of ILD in ARDs, with NSIP being the most common radiological presentation.
• Interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features (IPAF) is an emerging important type of ILD.
• Multidisciplinary collaboration is essential for diagnosing and managing complex ARD-ILD cases.