Pulmonary Vasculitis and Rheumatic Diseases

Abstract

This submission considers pulmonary vasculitis in rheumatic diseases. Although the aetiopathogenesis of the majority of rheumatic diseases is not well-defined, many are associated with widespread vasculitis which may affect the pulmonary vessels. The clinical features of pulmonary vasculitis in the various rheumatic diseases are reviewed along with the spectrum of respiratory pathology seen and the management of pulmonary vasculitis in the setting of individual disease is discussed. Although progress has been made in treating these conditions using prednisolone and cyclophosphamide, some of these conditions remain difficult to control. A better understanding of the immunogenetics and pathogenesis of these diverse conditions, may lead to more rational and successful treatments.

Key Words:

pulmonary vasculitis - connective tissue diseases - primary vasculitides