Specific organs
The use of ultrasound for assessing interstitial lung involvement in connective tissue diseases
F. Ferro1, A. Delle Sedie2
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy. francescoferrodoc@gmail.com
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy.
CER11681
2018 Vol.36, N°5 ,Suppl.114
PI 0165, PF 0170
Specific organs
Free to view
(click on article PDF icon to read the article)
PMID: 30296990 [PubMed]
Received: 30/08/2018
Accepted : 31/08/2018
In Press: 01/10/2018
Published: 01/10/2018
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.
