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Semin Respir Crit Care Med 1999; 20(2): 83-90
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1009449
Copyright © 1999 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.

Initial Evaluation of Diffuse Parenchymal Lung Disease: Is It a Connective Tissue Disease?

Steven C. Springmeyer* , Daniel E. Furst†
  • *Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Virginia Mason Medical Center; Virginia Mason Research Center; and University of Washington, Seattle, Washington;
  • †Section of Rheumatology and Immunology, Virginia Mason Medical Center; Virginia Mason Research Center; and University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
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Publication History

Publication Date:
20 March 2008 (online)

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Abstract

The goal of this article is to overview the evaluation of the patient presenting with diffuse parenchymal lung disease that has, or potentially has, an associated connective tissue disease (CTD). This is an area of pulmonary medicine that is undergoing rapid change because advances in diagnostics combined with promising early treatment strategies have occurred. In the past, patients have presented to pulmonary specialists with severe disease. In the future, some will present before they have dyspnea or an abnormal chest X ray (CXR). The initial evaluation of these patients is changing and the evaluation needs to be adapted to variable patterns of presentation and available treatments.

Key Words:

Pulmonary disease - pulmonary fibrosis - interstitial lung disease - diagnosis - diffuse parenchymal lung disease

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