PULMONARY FUNCTION IN SCLERODERMA - ITS RELATION TO CHANGES IN CHEST ROENTGENOGRAM AND IN SKIN OF THORAX

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Abstract
Pulmonary function studies were done in 13 patients with systemic scleroderma. Only 6 patients of the 13 had abnormal chest roentgenograns and, only 6 were dyspneic, but all 13 patients had low vital capacities and decreased compliance and 12 had low diffusing capacities. The incidence of pulmonary involvement in systemic scleroderma is much higher than shown by roentgenography or suspected by clinical evaluation. Although a "hidebound" chest may contribute to the impairment of pulmonary function, it is believed that the major role is played by interstitial fibrosis, which may or may not be seen on the chest film.