[Pulmonary changes in progressive systemic sclerosis]

Abstract

The pulmonary changes of progressive systemic sclerosis in 8 cases were reported. The major clinical complaints were unproductive cough and exertional dyspnea. Pulmonary function tests showed restrictive ventilatory defects and impaired diffusing capacity in most of the cases examined. On chest X-rays, diffuse mottling and linear densities were seen in lungs, predominately in the basal regions. On pathological examinations, pulmonary interstitial fibrosis occurred in early stage of the disease. The results showed that pulmonary involvement may be an early event in progressive systemic sclerosis.