A CASE OF INTERSTITIAL LUNG DISEASE TURNED OUT TO BE SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS

Abstract : Although most common cause of ILD is idiopathic, It is estimated that approximately 15 of patients with ILD have an underlying connective tissue disorder. CTDs may be subtle, it is often difficult for clinicians to identify an underlying CTD in individuals who first or sole recognized as a case of ILD.  Clinically significant ILD develops in 16-43 percent of patients with Systemic sclerosis. Over the period of time with the  availability of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors     frequency of scleroderma renal crisis associated deaths have significantly declined, while pulmonary complications (interstitial lung disease and pulmonary artery hypertension) still account for 25 of all cause of death in this group of  atients. If left untreated outlook for patients with scleroderma related lung disease is worse warranting a speedy diagnosis . Here is a case report of young reproductive woman who  presented with exertional dyspnoea diagnosed as interstitial lung disease, while on treatment she presented with florid skin manifestation diagnosed as scleroderma. Keyword :Scleroderma, Pulmonary hypertension, Connective tissue disorder, Systemic sclerosis