Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune connective tissue disorder (CTD) characterized by inflammation, immune dysregulation, microvascular damage, and progressive fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a common complication of SSc, thought to be caused by repetitive epithelial injury, activation of the innate and adaptive immune mechanisms, and fibroblast recruitment and activation leading to extracellular matrix accumulation and fibrosis. ILD is diagnosed in 40%-70% of patients with SSc and is the leading cause of disease-related death. Patients with SSc-ILD have a mortality risk nearly three times greater than that of SSc patients without lung fibrosis. With advances in the management of SSc, early detection and surveillance are essential to improve patient outcomes.
Can you differentiate SSc-ILD from other subtypes? Test your knowledge with this quick quiz.
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Cite this: Zab Mosenifar. Fast Five Quiz: Scleroderma Systemic Sclerosis ILD Presentation and Diagnosis - Medscape - Mar 28, 2023.
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