Rheumatological Evaluation in Patients with Interstitial Lung Disease

Abstract

Abstract
Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a challenging clinical entity associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Distinguishing between ILD due to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and ILD secondary to an underlying rheumatic disease is important, as the treatment and prognosis differ. The rheumatologist plays an integral part in the evaluation of early autoimmune disease, utilizing history, physical exam, and specific diagnostic tests to diagnose and guide the treatment of autoimmune-associated ILD.

Keywords
Interstitial lung disease, rheumatic disease

Disclosure: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.
Received: March 25, 2009 Accepted: April 9, 2009
Correspondence: Flavia V Castelino, MD, Division of Rheumatology, Massachussetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit St, Bulfinch-165, Boston, MA 02114. E: fcastelino@partners.org