Ultrasound for diagnosis of interstitial lung disease in diffuse connective tissue diseases

Abstract

Patients with diffuse connective tissue diseases frequently develop interstitial lung disease, which carries a worse prognosis and shortens survival. High-resolution computed tomography is the first-choice test, and is competitive with histopathology, however, the cost and radiation may limit its use, particularly for screening. Lung ultrasound is a rapid, accessible, reproducible, and inexpensive study that is useful for diagnosis of interstitial lung disease. Furthermore, extensive training is not required to identify the alterations associated with these lung diseases. B lines and pleural irregularities compose the ultrasonographic interstitial syndrome, although, it must be kept in mind that it is not specific, and it is necessary to rule out haemodynamic, cardiovascular, and infectious abnormalities. This review highlights the elevated prevalence of this lung condition in the main rheumatological diseases, with emphasis on the usefulness of pulmonary ultrasound.

Keywords: Computed pulmonary tomography; Diffuse connective tissue disease; Enfermedad pulmonar intersticial; Enfermedades difusas del tejido conectivo; Interstitial lung disease; Pulmonary ultrasound; Tomografía pulmonar de alta resolución; Ultrasonido pulmonar.