Intrathoracic manifestations of collagen vascular diseases are very common. The frequency of intrathoracic manifestations and the pattern of abnormality are variable depending on the type of collagen vascular disease and may simultaneously involve one or more of the following: lung parenchyma, airways, pulmonary vessels, pericardium, and pleura. Most significant manifestations include diffuse interstitial pneumonia and pulmonary hypertension which together represent the main causes of morbidity and mortality of these patients. Pulmonary, airway and pleural involvement may also be secondary to the therapy adopted for management of the disease, or result from bacterial pneumonia or opportunistic infection. In the present review, the authors summarize the main intrathoracic manifestations of collagen vascular diseases and the differential diagnosis on high-resolution chest computed tomography.
Lung; Collagen vascular disease; Interstitial pneumonia; Pulmonary hypertension; Computed tomography
