Comprehensive review of current diagnostic and treatment approaches to interstitial lung disease associated with rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is one of the extra-articular involvement forms of rheumatoid arthritis(RA), and it is associated with increased mortality. The presence of genetic susceptibility, smoking,rheumatoid factor positivity, and the presence of anticitrulline peptide antibodies are factors contributing to the development of ILD in patients with RA. Early diagnosis and treatment of ILD contributeto the reduction of morbidity and mortality. We herein evaluated the current literature for the diagnosis and treatment of RA-associated ILD.