Interstitial lung disease in autoimmune diseases

Abstract

Approximately forty percent of patients with autoimmune diseases suffer from interstitial lung disease (ILD). There are currently no specific screening guidelines for these patients. ILD causes substantial morbidity and mortality; early recognition and diagnosis are essential to avoid treatment delays. The gold standard for management incorporates a multidisciplinary approach (MMD) with input from various specialties, such as pulmonary, rheumatology, radiology, and pathology, to reach a consensus regarding diagnosis and treatment. In this article, we will discuss the most common forms of ILD that affect patients with autoimmune diseases, as well as how to promptly and effectively diagnose and treat these conditions.