Pulmonary Manifestations of Connective Tissue Diseases
摘要
Pulmonary involvement in connective tissue diseases (CTDs) often causes significant morbidities and mortalities. During disease course, most patients with connective tissue diseases show signs of involvement of the lung, vasculature, the pleura, and the diaphragm. Pleurisy, coughing, and dyspnea are often the first clues to make the diagnosis. Interstitial lung disease is the most frequent pulmonary manifestation. Differential diagnosis includes respiratory infection and medication-associated lung toxicity. In some asymptomatic patients, abnormal pulmonary function tests (PFTs), including the diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) or abnormal chest high resolution CT (HRCT), may be presented. Descriptions of radiologic patterns and pathologic findings used in the idiopathic interstitial pneumonias are now being applied to patients with CTDs. Corticosteroid or immunosuppressant may be administered based on the disease severity.