Clinical Profile of Connective Tissue Disease- related Interstitial Lung Diseases at a Tertiary Care Center in Western India

Abstract

Connective tissue disorders (CTDs) are one of the common causes of interstitial lung diseases (ILDs). This prospective observational study included around 51 patients of CTD-ILDs, and their demographic, clinical, radiological, and laboratory profiles were studied. The most common type of CTD-ILD in our study is rheumatoid arthritis-related ILD. On high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) thorax, nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) was the most common pattern seen in 30 patients (59%), followed by usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) seen in 20 patients (39%). Even though CTD-ILDs are similar to other idiopathic ILDs in clinical and radiological presentation, patients with CTDs have to be evaluated clinically and radiologically for early diagnosis. Early treatment initiation and pulmonary rehabilitation help in delaying the progression of disease. Among all ILDs, CTD-ILDs are associated with better prognosis and survival.