Practical guidance for the early recognition and follow-up of patients with connective tissue disease-related interstitial lung disease

Background: 

The early detection and management of (progressive) interstitial lung disease in patients with connective tissue diseases requires the attention and skills of a multidisciplinary team. However, there are currently no well-established standards to guide the daily practice of physicians treating this heterogenous group of diseases. 

Research question: 

This paper aimed to identify gaps in scientific knowledge along the journey of patients with connective tissue disease-related interstitial lung disease and to provide tools for earlier identification of interstitial lung disease and progressive disease. 

Study Design and Methods: 

The opinions of an international expert panel, which consisted of pulmonologists and rheumatologists were collected and interpreted in the light of peer-reviewed data. 

Results: 

Interstitial lung disease is a common complication of connective tissue diseases, but prevalence estimates vary by subtype. Screening and monitoring by means of clinical examination, chest radiography, pulmonary function testing, and disease-specific biomarkers provide insight into the disease activity of patients presenting with connective tissue diseases in a routine setting. Multiple phenotypic and genotypic characteristics have been identified as predictors of the development and progression of interstitial lung disease. However, these risk factors differ between subtypes. To ensure earlier diagnosis of rapidly progressive phenotypes, a risk-based method is necessary for determining the need for HRCT and additional testing. 

Interpretation: 

To reduce the underdiagnosis of CTD-ILDs in clinical practice, a standardized and systematic multidisciplinary risk-based approach is suggested. Collaboration across disciplines is essential for the management of CTD-ILD.