Cutaneous manifestations of systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases including systemic sclerosis, idiopathic inflammatory myopathies, systemic lupus erythematous, mixed connective tissue disease, Sjögren’s disease, and systemic vasculitis and the association with interstitial lung disease

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) significantly impacts morbidity in patients with systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases associated with characteristic cutaneous manifestations, including systemic sclerosis, idiopathic inflammatory myopathies, systemic lupus erythematosus, mixed connective tissue disease, Sjögren’s disease, and systemic vasculitis. As early interstitial lung disease is often subclinical, a thorough understanding of extrapulmonary manifestations associated with ILD, particularly cutaneous findings, is essential for patient risk-stratification. Patients may seek care by a dermatologist early in their disease course, allowing the opportunity for prompt intervention. Dermatologists therefore play a critical role in accurately diagnosing systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases to avoid delays in ILD screening with emerging opportunities to identify high-risk patients who warrant further evaluation. In this review, we highlight the appropriate clinical evaluation, evidenced-based screening and monitoring guidelines, and indications for pulmonary referral in dermatologic patients with systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases associated with ILD.

Abstract from Crossref