HRCT THORAX EVALUATION IN PATIENTS WITH CONNECTIVE TISSUE DISORDER AND ITS RELATION WITH THEIR CLINICAL PRESENTATION IN TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN CENTRAL INDIA: A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

Background: Connective tissue disorders (CTDs) are systemic autoimmune diseases that frequently involve the lungs, with interstitial lung disease (ILD) being the most signicant pulmonary manifestation. High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) has emerged as the gold standard in evaluating CTD-related lung disease. This study aimed to assess HRCT ndings in CTD patients and correlate them with clinical presentation. Methods: This hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care centre in Central India over 12 months. A total of 92 patients with CTDs (RA, SLE, SSc, PM/DM, Sjögren's syndrome, and MCTD) underwent HRCT thorax and clinical evaluation. Demographics, symptoms, pulmonary function tests, and HRCT ndings were analyzed. Statistical correlations between radiological patterns and clinical features were performed. Results: The mean age of the cohort was 48.7 ± 13.2 years, with a female predominance (62%). Dyspnea (75%) and cough (61%) were the most common symptoms. The most frequent HRCT pattern was nonspecic interstitial pneumonia (NSIP, 35.9%), followed by usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP, 23.9%). HRCT abnormalities correlated strongly with reduced diffusion capacity (DLCO) and severity of dyspnea. Subclinical ILD was identied in 12 asymptomatic patients. Pleural effusions and esophageal dilatation were notable ancillary ndings in SLE and SSc, respectively. Conclusion: HRCT provides critical insights into the extent and type of pulmonary involvement in CTDs, frequently identifying subclinical ILD. Correlation of HRCT with clinical and functional parameters underscores its role in diagnosis, prognostication, and management planning in CTD patients.