Pulmonary Manifestations in Rheumatological Diseases

Abstract

Pulmonary involvement complicates the various aspects of care in patients suffering from autoimmune disorders. The epidemiological data generated over the last 10 to 15 years have improved the overall understanding of the risk factors and pathophysiological mechanisms involved in pulmonary involvement in rheumatological conditions. Recent advances in genetics have provided superior insight into the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases and the underlying pulmonary involvement. This review article provides a concise overview of the four most common rheumatological conditions associated with pulmonary involvement: systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), dermatomyositis/polymyositis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and systemic sclerosis (SSc). The clinical, epidemiological, and genetic aspects of these diseases are summarized in this article with particular emphasis on the characteristic patterns of pulmonary involvement in radiological imaging and various treatment options for each of these autoimmune diseases and their lung manifestations.

New developments related to lung complications in pediatric rheumatic disease

“…Pulmonary complications are a major source of morbidity and mortality in pediatric and adult rheumatologic diseases [1]. These pulmonary manifestations relate to the underlying disease process, progression of disease, and/or side effects of disease treatment [2]. Although pulmonary injury theoretically results from an immune-mediated process in rheumatologic diseases, the absolute mechanism of injury is often not fully elucidated [2,3].…”

“…These pulmonary manifestations relate to the underlying disease process, progression of disease, and/or side effects of disease treatment [2]. Although pulmonary injury theoretically results from an immune-mediated process in rheumatologic diseases, the absolute mechanism of injury is often not fully elucidated [2,3]. A better understanding of pulmonary complications will help us recognize and further manage these conditions in the future.…”