[Interstitial lung disease in connective tissue disorders]

Abstract

After immunosuppressive-induced infections, interstitial lung disease (ILD) is one of the most serious pulmonary complications associated with connective tissue diseases (CTD). Although it is common for ILD to be diagnosed concurrent with or after CTD, some patients will present with ILD years prior to receiving a diagnosis of CTD. The clinical approach involves an examination of the extrathoracic symptoms (suggestive of CTD) and the evaluation of respiratory disability. Nonspecific interstitial pneumonia is the most common histological finding in patients with CTD. The management of patients with CTD-associated ILD is optimized by multidisciplinary collaboration. ILD-CTD are treated through anti-inflammatory medication, immunosuppressants and biological agents.