Interstitial Lung Disease in Systemic Sclerosis: Focus on Early Detection and Intervention.

ABSTRACT: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a progressive and often devastating disease characterized by autoimmune dysfunction, vasculopathy, and fibrosis. Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is identified in the majority of patients with SSc and is the leading cause of SSc-related mortality. Although clinical manifestations and ILD severity vary among patients, lung function typically declines to the greatest extent during the first 3-4 years after disease onset. We aim to provide an overview of SSc-associated ILD (SSc-ILD) with a focus on current and emerging tools for early diagnosis of ILD and current and novel treatments under investigation. Early detection of ILD provides the opportunity for early therapeutic intervention, which could improve patient outcomes. Thoracic high-resolution computed tomograp

SUBMITTER: Fischer A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6910104 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature