[Pulmonary manifestations in adult rheumatic diseases].

BACKGROUND

Rheumatic diseases frequently present with pulmonary involvement. All anatomic structures of the lungs can be affected. Interstitial lung diseases are characterized by a system of patterns evident in high-resolution computed tomography (HR-CT) scanning of the lungs. The HR-CT pattern can differ between rheumatic diseases.

OBJECTIVE

Systematic description of all variants and patterns of pulmonary involvement in rheumatic diseases.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Narrative review based on the current literature on the topic from the perspective of rheumatology, pulmonary diseases and radiology.

RESULTS

Pulmonary involvement is frequent and prognostically relevant. The summary of pulmonary involvement reveals a high variability of affected anatomical structures as well as patterns of interstitial diseases for inflammatory rheumatic diseases. A synopsis of the main diagnostic findings is provided.

CONCLUSION

Every rheumatic disease presented here can be associated with pulmonary involvement. Therefore, a systematic diagnostic evaluation is mandatory at the first diagnosis as well as during follow-up. Apart from clinical findings and lung function HR-CT of the lungs is decisive for the diagnostics.