Detection of Rheumatoid Arthritis-Interstitial Lung Disease by Thoracic Ultrasound

What this Trial Is About

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that can affect various organs, including the lungs, leading to rheumatoid arthritis-interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD), which increases mortality among RA patients. The prevalence of RA-ILD varies depending on the screening method used. While chest CT is the current gold standard for detecting RA-ILD, it is costly, time-consuming, and involves radiation exposure. Lung ultrasound (LUS) is emerging as a quicker, non-irradiating, and less expensive tool for detecting lung damage and is being evaluated as a screening method for RA-ILD in patients at risk. This observational study involves patients with RA who have risk factors for RA-ILD and are regularly reassessed in a rheumatology day hospital. Eligible patients who have had chest CT and pulmonary function tests (PFT) within six months before or after their follow-up visit will be invited to participate. LUS examinations will be conducted by experienced operators using a linear probe to explore 14 intercostal spaces, with findings compared to chest CT results. Participation does not change usual follow-up care. Participants will undergo lung ultrasound and chest CT scans as part of their routine care, with lung ultrasound results recorded and anonymized. The study will measure the sensitivity and specificity of thoracic ultrasound compared to chest CT over two years. Researchers will also evaluate ultrasound signs such as B lines, pleural line thickening, and pleural line irregularity. The study aims to clarify the usefulness of LUS as a screening tool for RA-ILD while monitoring safety and effectiveness during regular clinical visits.

dEtection of rheumAtoid aRthritis - Interstitial Lung dIseasE by Thoracic ultRasound