The use of ultrasound for assessing interstitial lung involvement in connective tissue diseases

Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2018 Sep-Oct;36 Suppl 114(5):165-170. Epub 2018 Oct 1.

Abstract

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is one of the most serious pulmonary complications associated with connective tissue diseases (CTDs), resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. Recently, lung ultrasound examination has appeared as a useful, feasible, non-invasive, radiation-free imaging technique with high sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of CTD-associated ILD. In this review, we discuss the literature concerning lung ultrasound findings (B-lines and pleural irregularities) in systemic sclerosis. We also examine the possible utility and potential limitations of lung ultrasound in other CTDs including: inflammatory myopathies, mixed connective tissue disease, and Sjögren's syndrome. Specifically, we compare the diagnostic accuracy of lung ultrasound with traditional imaging techniques and pulmonary functional tests.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Connective Tissue Diseases / complications
  • Connective Tissue Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Connective Tissue Diseases / physiopathology
  • Connective Tissue Diseases / therapy
  • Humans
  • Lung / diagnostic imaging*
  • Lung / physiopathology
  • Lung Diseases, Interstitial / diagnostic imaging*
  • Lung Diseases, Interstitial / etiology
  • Lung Diseases, Interstitial / physiopathology
  • Lung Diseases, Interstitial / therapy
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Prognosis
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Ultrasonography / methods*