Connective tissue diseases (CTDs), also called collagen vascular diseases, are a
heterogeneous group of systemic inflammatory disorders characterized by the presence of
circulating autoantibodies (Table 1) and autoimmune-mediated organ damage. The lung is
a frequent target, and more than one thoracic compartment can be involved, including the
airways, lung parenchyma, pulmonary vasculature, pleura, and pericardium. The CTDs that
often involve the respiratory system are rheumatoid arthritis (RA), scleroderma or system …