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Back Uncovering the Clues: A Case-Based Journey Through ILD in Rheumatic Diseas
April 2026
This webcast features a case-based discussion exploring the critical connection between rheumatologic diseases and interstitial lung disease (ILD), emphasizing early recognition, risk stratification, and collaborative care. Through real-world patient cases—including rheumatoid arthritis–associated ILD and systemic sclerosis–related lung involvement—experts, Iris Zink, MSN, ANP-BC, APRN and Heather Bachert, MSN, ANP-BC, highlight key clinical warning signs such as progressive dyspnea, fatigue, and high-risk serologic markers. The session underscores the importance of timely screening with pulmonary function tests and high-resolution CT imaging, as well as early referral to pulmonology. Treatment strategies are reviewed, including the role of immunomodulators and antifibrotic therapies in slowing disease progression. Ultimately, this discussion reinforces the need for multidisciplinary management and proactive monitoring to improve outcomes and quality of life for patients with autoimmune-related lung disease.
Related Webcast
Uncovering the Clues: A Case-Based Journey Through ILD in Rheumatic Disease
April 2026
41:28 m
This webcast brings together rheumatology and pulmonology experts to explore the recognition and management of interstitial lung disease (ILD) in patients with autoimmune conditions, using real-world case discussions to guide clinical decision-making. Through cases of rheumatoid arthritis–associated ILD and systemic sclerosis with progressive pulmonary fibrosis, Mary Elliott, PA-C, PhD and Alanna Kavanaugh, EdD(c), FNP-BC, MSN, BSN, CCRN highlight key risk factors, early clinical signs such as dyspnea and inspiratory crackles, and the importance of diagnostic tools including pulmonary function tests and high-resolution CT imaging. The discussion emphasizes identifying high-risk patients, understanding imaging patterns like usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP), and initiating timely, evidence-based treatment strategies. The session also examines evolving treatment approaches, including immunosuppressive therapies, antifibrotic agents, and biologics, while addressing common clinical dilemmas such as methotrexate use and therapy selection. A strong focus is placed on multidisciplinary collaboration, ongoing monitoring, and individualized patient care, including considerations for transplant referral and supportive interventions. Overall, this webcast provides a practical, case-based overview to help clinicians improve early detection, optimize management, and better coordinate care for patients with autoimmune-related ILD.
Antifibrotic Therapy
October 2025
06:40 m
In this session, Corinne Young reviews the evolution of antifibrotic therapies for interstitial lung disease, beginning with the 2015 U.S. approval of pirfenidone (Esbriet) for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Pirfenidone works by targeting TGF-β and TNF-α to slow fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis, though patients often experience gastrointestinal side effects and fatigue. The discussion also covers nintedanib (Ofev), a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that blocks multiple growth factor pathways (VEGF, FGF, PDGF) and is now approved for both IPF and other progressive fibrotic lung diseases. Clinical trials such as CAPACITY, ASCEND, INPULSIS, and INBUILD demonstrated that these antifibrotics significantly slow the rate of lung function decline and disease progression. The talk concludes by emphasizing careful side-effect management, liver monitoring, and appropriate patient selection to optimize outcomes with these cornerstone antifibrotic therapies.
IPF & PPF: Natural History, Diagnosis, and Management
October 2025
07:52 m
In this educational session, Corinne Young breaks down the underlying mechanisms, progression, and management of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and other interstitial lung diseases (ILDs). The discussion covers common genetic and environmental risk factors—including family history, smoking, and occupational exposures—and explains how chronic inflammation leads to fibrosis and loss of lung elasticity. Listeners gain a clear understanding of how progressive pulmonary fibrosis is identified through lung function tests (FVC, DLCO) and imaging changes over time. The presentation also addresses treatment strategies, highlighting when corticosteroids may be appropriate, why long-term steroid use is limited, and how newer antifibrotic and immunomodulatory therapies are improving outcomes for patients with fibrotic lung disease.
Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathies and Pulmonary Disorders Including ILD
July 2025
04:59 m
Inflammatory myopathies—like dermatomyositis, polymyositis, and inclusion body myositis—can be difficult to diagnose and manage, especially when they overlap with interstitial lung disease (ILD). In this clinical discussion, Amanda Mixon, PA-C, breaks down what to look for, from subtle signs like "mechanic's hands" to more serious red flags like MDA5-positive rapidly progressive ILD. Special attention is given to anti-synthetase syndrome, a condition often associated with ILD, arthritis, and elevated CK levels, and how antibody testing (e.g., Jo-1, SSA, MDA5) can guide diagnosis and urgency of care. You’ll also learn how to approach cancer screenings in patients with dermatomyositis and why a full malignancy workup is essential. What you'll learn: – How to identify anti-synthetase syndrome and inflammatory myopathies – Key clinical signs: weakness, mechanic’s hands, non-erosive arthritis – Understanding the myositis antibody panel and its clinical utility – The connection between dermatomyositis and malignancy risk – When and how to conduct a thorough cancer screening – Treatments including JAK inhibitors, IVIG, and rituximab Perfect for APPs, pulmonologists, and rheumatology teams, this video empowers you to catch early signs, personalize diagnostics, and take action.
Uncovering the Clues: A Case-Based Journey Through ILD in Rheumatic Disease
April 2026
33:58 m
This webcast presents a case-based discussion on identifying and managing interstitial lung disease (ILD) in patients with rheumatic conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis and systemic sclerosis. Through real-world patient scenarios, Amanda Sell, PA-C and Kelsey Cramer, AGACNP-BC, DNP highlight key risk factors such as high serologic titers, age, and progressive respiratory symptoms, along with important clinical findings like inspiratory crackles and exertional desaturation. The session emphasizes early screening with pulmonary function tests and high-resolution CT imaging, recognition of fibrotic patterns like UIP, and timely initiation of immunomodulatory and antifibrotic therapies. The discussion also underscores the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration, proactive monitoring, and early referral for advanced care, including transplant evaluation, to improve patient outcomes.
Uncovering the Clues: A Case-Based Journey Through ILD in Rheumatic Disease
April 2026
13:12 m
This webcast presents a case-based discussion on recognizing and managing interstitial lung disease (ILD) in patients with rheumatic conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis and systemic sclerosis. Through real-world patient cases, Janine Shinn, PA-C and Jasmine McElhany, PA highlight key risk factors such as age, seropositivity, and progressive respiratory symptoms, along with important findings like inspiratory crackles and exertional desaturation. The session emphasizes early screening with pulmonary function tests and high-resolution CT imaging, identification of high-risk patterns like UIP, and timely initiation of immunomodulatory and antifibrotic therapies. The importance of multidisciplinary collaboration, proactive monitoring, and early referral for advanced care is reinforced to help improve patient outcomes.
What Can Pulmonology APPs Do Once They've Established an ILD Diagnosis to Aid in Potential Rheumatology Workups?
July 2025
01:42 m
Once you've confirmed a diagnosis of interstitial lung disease (ILD), what’s next? In this practical and fast-paced discussion, Amanda Mixon, PA-C, shares actionable steps for evaluating patients for underlying autoimmune or connective tissue diseases. Learn what symptoms to ask about—joint pain, morning stiffness, skin lesions, Raynaud’s, dry eyes or mouth—and how labs and rheumatology collaboration can support early detection and accurate diagnosis. This video offers clinical pearls for APPs working in pulmonology who want to strengthen their diagnostic acumen and build better cross-specialty communication with rheumatology colleagues. Topics covered: – What symptoms may signal underlying rheumatic disease in ILD patients – Key lab tests to guide your differential – When to refer to rheumatology – The value of real-time collaboration across specialties ILD care is better together. Watch now to improve your approach to autoimmune workups in pulmonary patients.
Scleroderma Treatment
July 2025
01:52 m
In this focused discussion, Amanda Mixon, PA-C shares a practical approach to managing patients with systemic sclerosis (Scleroderma), with an emphasis on individualized care based on disease manifestation. From echocardiograms to pulmonary imaging, medication choices to vascular complications, this talk provides key insights into how APPs can tailor care to improve outcomes. Learn how to approach limited vs. diffuse Scleroderma, when to avoid glucocorticoids, and how to manage complications like digital ulcers and pulmonary involvement. Key takeaways include: – When to use echocardiograms, CT scans, and other diagnostics – Medication strategies: Mycophenolate, Selenomab, CCBs, ARBs, and more – Avoiding glucocorticoids in diffuse disease and managing risk of renal crisis – Treating symptomatically: digital ulcers, skin fibrosis, and blood flow support This is a must-watch for APPs in rheumatology, pulmonology, or primary care managing patients with Scleroderma.
Uncovering the Clues: A Case-Based Journey Through ILD in Rheumatic Disease
April 2026
21:10 m
This webcast provides a case-based overview of identifying and managing interstitial lung disease (ILD) in patients with rheumatic diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and systemic sclerosis. Through practical clinical scenarios, experts Michele Cerra, MSN, FNP-BC and Christine Anderson, NP-C highlight key warning signs such as progressive shortness of breath, fatigue, and exertional desaturation, along with high-risk features like seropositivity and diffuse disease. The discussion emphasizes early diagnosis using pulmonary function tests and high-resolution CT imaging, recognition of fibrotic patterns like UIP, and timely initiation of immunomodulatory and antifibrotic therapies. The session also underscores the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration, proactive monitoring, and comprehensive supportive care to improve patient outcomes.
Systemic Sclerosis Presentation
July 2025
11:52 m
In this powerful and personal clinical reflection, Amanda Mixon, PA-C, shares her journey treating patients with diffuse systemic sclerosis (Scleroderma), including key lessons learned from working at a major Scleroderma center at Northwestern. From building trust with colleagues to managing life-threatening complications like Scleroderma Renal Crisis, this video offers invaluable insights for APPs and clinicians navigating this complex autoimmune disease. You’ll hear firsthand experiences treating patients with severe skin involvement, pulmonary fibrosis, digital ulcers, GI complications, and early vasculopathy. Learn why RNA polymerase III positivity is a red flag, how to differentiate diffuse from limited SSc, and why early diagnosis and treatment are essential. What you’ll learn: – What distinguishes diffuse Scleroderma from limited forms – Clinical signs to recognize early: Raynaud’s, skin tightening, telangiectasia – The dangers of steroid use and Scleroderma Renal Crisis – Why collaboration and early referral to SSc centers can save lives – Real stories and clinical pearls from treating high-risk patients This is a must-watch for any clinician managing autoimmune diseases—especially those treating interstitial lung disease, GI complications, or vasculitis related to Scleroderma.