Interstitial Lung Disease Spotlight-Connective Tissue Diseases Pulmonary Involvement: Diagnosis and Management

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In this video summary, three experts in pulmonary and critical care medicine discuss different types of interstitial lung diseases associated with autoimmune conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, and vasculitis. The experts highlight the unique manifestations and treatment approaches for each disease. <br /><br />Rheumatoid arthritis-associated lung disease can affect the airways, pleura, and parenchyma. Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a common complication and can have a significant impact on patients' quality of life. ILD is more common in patients with early-onset rheumatoid arthritis. Treatment options include steroids, immunosuppression, and antifibrotics, although there are currently no specific guidelines for rheumatoid arthritis-associated ILD. <br /><br />Scleroderma-associated ILD is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with scleroderma. It can present early in the disease process and is more common in patients with diffuse skin involvement. Treatment options include immunomodulator therapy, such as mycophenolate and tocilizumab, as well as antifibrotic therapy, such as nantetanib. Combination therapy with mycophenolate and antifibrotics may have a greater benefit than monotherapy.<br /><br />Vasculitis-associated ILD predominantly affects small vessels. It can present with various symptoms, including sinusitis, asthma, and migratory infiltrates. Treatment options include glucocorticoids, immunosuppressive agents, and interventional pulmonary techniques. Induction therapy is typically aggressive and followed by maintenance therapy to maintain remission.<br /><br />Overall, the treatment approach for autoimmune-associated ILD involves individualized, detailed evaluation, accurate diagnosis, and prompt initiation of appropriate therapy to prevent disease progression and improve outcomes.

Meta Tag

Category Diffuse Lung Disease

Speaker Sameep Sehgal, MBBS, FCCP

Speaker Sonye Danoff, MD, PhD, FCCP

Speaker Kristin Highland, MD, FCCP

Speaker Erin Camac, DO, FCCP

Keywords

interstitial lung diseases

autoimmune conditions

rheumatoid arthritis

scleroderma

vasculitis

pulmonary and critical care medicine

airways

pleura

parenchyma

quality of life