Lung Imaging Perspective in Scleroderma

The development of interstitial lung disease is common in patients with systemic sclerosis and is a major cause of their morbidity and mortality. Chest Computed Tomography is the most sensitive and specific diagnostic tool for both the early and accurate diagnosis of Scleroderma Interstitial Lung Disease (SSc-ILD). In addition, the extent of CT abnormalities has been found to be predictive of prognosis and follow-up CT is useful for assessing change in disease extent and morphology overtime. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Ultrasound, Positron Emission Tomography with Computed Tomography (PET-CT), and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) have also been found to have potential usefulness in the diagnosis and evaluation of SSc-ILD. In this chapter, we will review primarily the role of HRCT and introduce emerging technologies in the diagnosis and management of lung involvement in SSc-ILD.