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Semin Respir Crit Care Med 2007; 28(4): 418-429
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-985613
Copyright © 2007 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

The Spectrum of Scleroderma Lung Disease

Kristin B. Highland1 , 2 , Margaret C. Garin3 , Kevin K. Brown4
  • 1Division of Pulmonary Critical Care, Allergy, and Sleep Medicine, Denver, Colorado
  • 2Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
  • 3Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, Denver, Colorado
  • 4Department of Medicine, Interstitial Lung Disease Program, National Jewish Medical and Research Center, Denver, Colorado
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Publication History

Publication Date:
03 September 2007 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Pulmonary disease is the most common cause of death in patients with systemic sclerosis. This article discusses the variety of ways the lung is affected in systemic sclerosis. These include pulmonary hypertension, interstitial lung disease and other restrictive disorders, obstructive disease, pleural disease, lung cancer, and aspiration. For each manifestation we outline the current knowledge of etiology, risk factors, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. We also discuss the current state of lung transplantation in this population.

KEYWORDS

Scleroderma - systemic sclerosis - interstitial lung disease - pulmonary arterial hypertension

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Kristin B HighlandM.D. M.S.C.R. 

Medical University of South Carolina

96 Jonathan Lucas St., Ste. 812 CSB, Charleston, SC 29425

Email: highlakb@musc.edu

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