Introduction: Connective tissue diseases comprises several immunologic systemic disorders. The pleuro-pulmonary manifestations frequently occur in these patients. So the identification of the respiratory manifestations is a major concern.

Aim: To find out the prevalence of different respiratory manifestations in most common connective tissue disorders (systemic lupus erythematosus, Rheumatoid arthritis, Systemic sclerosis).

Methodology: A Hospital based cross-sectional, observational study conducted on 50 diagnosed cases of connective tissue diseases, of which 33 are SLE, 10 RA and 7 SSc. All these patients underwent clinical evaluation and Spirometry, Chest x-ray, HRCT scan of thorax and Echocardiography.

Results: Mean age of presentation was 32.9 and female: male 44:6.  Spirometry showed restrictive change in 74% of total patients (72% of SLE , 70% of  RA and 86% of  SSc patients). From radiological point of view 38% of total patients had interstitial lung disease (20% of  RA , 36% of  SLE and 72% of  SSc patients had HRCT findings suggestive of parenchymal lung diseases) followed by pleural effusion -10% of total patients (20%,6% and 40% patients of RA, SLE and SSc respectively). 28% of all the patients had mild pulmonary hypertension (20% of RA, 21% of SLE and 57% of SSc patients).

Conclusion: Regarding respiratory system, most of the patients in our study develop restrictive type of lung disease. Pulmonary hypertension occurs in patients with connective tissue diseases but not very common. Diffuse parenchymal lung disease, pleural effusions are dominant pleuropulmonary manifestations in our study.

Keyword: SLE, SSc, RA, Restrictive Lung Disease, ILD, Pulmonary Hypertension.

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Dr Ankan Saha

Junior Resident, Department of Medicine, Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, India