Connective Tissue Disease-Associated ILD

Connective tissue disease associated with interstitial lung disease, or CT-ILD, is a lung condition that affects a small number of patients with a connective tissue disease. Examples of connective tissue diseases — also known as rheumatologic, collagen vascular or autoimmune diseases — include scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus, polymyositis, dermatomyositis and mixed connective tissue disease.

Patients are often diagnosed with the connective tissue disease first and develop CT-ILD later, although in some cases, the opposite occurs.

CT-ILD causes inflammation or scarring (fibrosis) of the lungs, or both. The exact cause of lung damage is unknown.

Our Approach to Connective Tissue Disease-Associated ILD

UCSF offers specialized care for all types of interstitial lung disease (ILD), including connective tissue disease-related ILD. Treatments include medications, care for other health problems that often affect patients with ILD, and a special exercise and education program designed for patients with chronic lung disease. Our specialists review each case as a team to ensure that every patient gets the right diagnosis and most effective care.

For patients who get worse despite treatment, lung transplantation may be an option. UCSF is home to a high-performing lung transplant program with the expertise to handle the most complex, challenging cases.