Spectrum of high-resolution computed tomography pattern in lungs in patients with connective tissue disorders.

BACKGROUND

Connective tissue disease associated with interstitial lung disease, or CT-ILD, is a lung condition that affects a large number of patients with a connective tissue disease.

OBJECTIVE

Our aim in this study is to correlation between images of high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of different connective tissue diseases associated interstitial lung diseases (CTD-ILDs).

METHODS

We shall be aiming to investigate the feasibility of HRCT imaging and thereby avoid lung biopsy in such patients.

RESULTS

Rheumatoid arthritis predominantly presented with usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) (47.8%), followed by nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) (30.4%). Mixed connective tissue disorder predominantly presented with NSIP and UIP (42.8%), followed by organizing pneumonia (OP) (14.2%). Systemic lupus erythematosus predominantly presented with UIP (38.8%), followed by NSIP (27.7%). Sjogren's syndrome predominantly presented with lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia (40%), followed by UIP (26.6%). Scleroderma predominantly presented with UIP (45.4%), followed by NSIP (36.4%). Sarcoidosis predominantly presented with UIP (75%), followed by NSIP (25%). Dermatomyositis predominantly presented with NSIP (50%), followed by UIP and OP each (25%).

CONCLUSION

Both clinicians and radiologists should be aware of the expected evolution of HRCT changes in a variety of CT-ILDs.