Uncovering the Clues: A Case-Based Journey Through ILD in Rheumatic Disease

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 scenarios, Wendy Simmons, PA-C, DFAAPA and Christine Anderson, NP-C highlight key risk factors such as seropositivity, age, and progressive respiratory symptoms, along with important findings like inspiratory crackles and exertional desaturation. The session emphasizes early detection using pulmonary function tests and high-resolution CT imaging, identification of fibrotic patterns like UIP, and timely initiation of immunomodulatory and antifibrotic therapies. The importance of multidisciplinary collaboration, proactive monitoring, and early referral for transplant evaluation and supportive care is reinforced to help preserve lung function and improve patient outcomes.

Rheum-Pulm ILD Preceptorship: Case Based Insights With Academic Experts Bootcamp

The Rheum-Pulm Interface: Bridging Specialties in SARD-ILD

In this session, Corinne Young and Wendy Simmons highlight the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to managing interstitial lung disease (ILD) in patients with systemic autoimmune and rheumatologic disorders. Collaboration between rheumatology, pulmonology, and radiology teams is key to early recognition, diagnosis, and treatment planning—especially given the high risk of ILD-related morbidity and mortality in conditions like systemic sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and Sjögren’s syndrome. The discussion reviews ACR screening guidelines, emphasizing the role of high-resolution CT imaging, pulmonary function testing, and oxygen desaturation monitoring. It also covers evidence-based first-line and escalation therapies, including mycophenolate, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab, while underscoring the need for frequent assessment, early intervention, and coordinated care to improve patient outcomes.

Understanding the Landscape of ILD: Burden, Pathophysiology, and Classification

In this presentation, pulmonary nurse practitioner Corinne Young and rheumatology physician assistant Wendy Simmons explore the complex relationship between interstitial lung disease (ILD) and connective tissue diseases (CTDs). Together, they provide a multidisciplinary perspective—highlighting how collaboration between pulmonology, rheumatology, and radiology leads to earlier diagnosis, better management, and improved outcomes. The session covers ILD classifications, common causes such as autoimmune disorders, environmental exposures, and drug toxicities, as well as diagnostic tools including high-resolution CT imaging, pulmonary function testing, and serologic assays. The speakers also discuss the importance of recognizing progressive phenotypes, understanding imaging patterns like UIP and NSIP, and tailoring therapy based on disease behavior. This session emphasizes that in ILD, time is lung—early recognition and coordinated care are essential to preserving function and extending quality of life.