Connective tissue disease-associated interstitial lung disease

摘要

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) occurs with varied incidence and prevalence across the spectrum of connective tissue disease (CTD) and despite the remarkable advances over the past decades in managing the musculoskeletal aspects of the CTDs, ILD continues to be associated with significant morbidity and is a leading cause of mortality in these patients. Moreover, despite the common intersections of these two spectrums of diseases, there remain far too many unanswered questions. We are only beginning to identify the risk factors for developing ILD in CTD, have poor understanding of the natural history of these disorders, and have limited therapeutic options.