Imaging of the Thoracic Manifestations of Connective Tissue Disease

• Published in: Clinics in chest medicine Vol. 40; no. 3; p. 655
• Main Authors: Elicker, Brett M, Kallianos, Kimberly G, Henry, Travis S
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.09.2019
• Subjects: Connective Tissue Diseases - complications; Connective Tissue Diseases - pathology; Humans; Thoracic Wall - diagnostic imaging; Thoracic Wall - pathology; Tomography, X-Ray Computed - methods; Connective tissue disease; Diffuse lung disease; Organizing pneumonia; Computed tomography; Nonspecific interstitial pneumonia; Interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features; Lymphoid interstitial pneumonia
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ccm.2019.05.010

Imaging, specifically computed tomography (CT), is a key component in the characterization, management, and follow-up of patients with connective tissue disease (CTD)-related diffuse lung disease. The main role of CT is to help direct treatment by determining the primary pattern of lung injury present. Other roles include follow-up of lung disease over time, evaluation of acute symptoms, and monitoring for treatment complications. Although diagnosis is typically made using clinical and serologic criteria, CT plays an important role when lung disease is the dominant presenting feature. This article delineates the roles of CT in patients with CTD-related lung disease.