Spectrum of high-resolution computed tomography pattern in lungs in patients with connective tissue disorders.

BACKGROUND: Connective tissue disease associated with interstitial lung disease, or CT-ILD, is a lung condition that affects a large number of patients with a connective tissue disease.

OBJECTIVE: Our aim in this study is to correlation between images of high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of different connective tissue diseases associated interstitial lung diseases (CTD-ILDs).

METHODS: We shall be aiming to investigate the feasibility of HRCT imaging and thereby avoid lung biopsy in such patients.

RESULTS: Rheumatoid arthritis predominantly presented with usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) (47.8%), followed by nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) (30.4%). Mixed connective tissue disorder predominantly presented with NSIP and UIP (42.8%), followed by organizing pneumonia (OP) (14.2%). Systemic lupus erythematosus predominantly presented with UIP (38.8%), followed by NSIP (27.7%). Sjogren's syndrome predominantly presented with lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia (40%), followed by UIP (26.6%). Scleroderma predominantly presented with UIP (45.4%), followed by NSIP (36.4%). Sarcoidosis predominantly presented with UIP (75%), followed by NSIP (25%). Dermatomyositis predominantly presented with NSIP (50%), followed by UIP and OP each (25%).

CONCLUSION: Both clinicians and radiologists should be aware of the expected evolution of HRCT changes in a variety of CT-ILDs.