Chest high-resolution computed tomography in primary Sjögren's syndrome: an up-to-date primer for rheumatologists

Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2022 Dec;40(12):2450-2462. doi: 10.55563/clinexprheumatol/9t3ul2. Epub 2022 Oct 10.

Abstract

Pulmonary manifestations, including airway involvement and interstitial lung disease, are the most frequent extra-glandular complications of primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS). Chest high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) is a cornerstone of pulmonary diagnostic imaging, aiming to detect, characterise, and quantify such conditions. In patients with pSS-related lung abnormalities, HRCT proved helpful in various clinical scenarios, including baseline and follow-up evaluation, assessment of superimposed infections, suspected progressive interstitial lung diseases, and acute exacerbation. This review aims to provide a primer for rheumatologists on chest HRCT, illustrating the up-to-date technique, imaging findings, and clinical indications in pSS and highlighting the importance of rheumatologist-radiologist constructive collaboration in the clinical management of such patients.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Lung / diagnostic imaging
  • Lung Diseases, Interstitial* / complications
  • Lung Diseases, Interstitial* / etiology
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Rheumatologists
  • Sjogren's Syndrome* / diagnosis
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods