Screening and Monitoring of Interstitial Lung Diseases (ILDs)

Dr Elana Bernstein guides rheumatologists through the 2023 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) screening and monitoring guidelines for ILDs, translating them into practical, clinic-ready strategies.

Chapter 1: Why Guidelines Exist - This chapter explains why standardized screening and monitoring guidelines are essential for ILDs, emphasizing the clear, practical steps that allow early detection and consistent follow-up. This chapter reassures that guidelines are useful tools to enhance decision-making in everyday rheumatology practice.  

Chapter 2: Screening Strategies by Disease - This chapter outlines who to screen and how often, organizing recommendations by systemic autoimmune rheumatic disease (SARD) such as systemic sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. Dr Bernstein demonstrates how to identify high-risk patients and select appropriate tests, including pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT).  

Chapter 3: Monitoring and Defining Progression - This chapter defines disease progression based on measurable declines in lung function, worsening symptoms, or changes in imaging. Dr Bernstein illustrates how to recognize progression early, linking these findings to the need for timely management decisions. 

Chapter 4: Embedding Guidelines Into Practice - The final chapter focuses on implementing guidelines into rheumatology practice. It emphasizes the importance of adopting a structured approach to integrate guideline-based screening and monitoring seamlessly into routine clinical care.