THE ROLE OF RADIOGRAPHY IN THE DIAGNOSIS AND MONITORING OF PULMONARY COMPLICATIONS IN SYSTEMIC SCLERODERMA

Abstract

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease characterized by connective tissue dysfunction that leads to fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. Radiography, despite its limitations, remains an important tool in the diagnosis and monitoring of this condition, providing visualization of changes in the lungs, cardiovascular system, and other organs.

This article reviews the potential use of radiography for the initial diagnosis of SSc, the assessment of pulmonary complications such as interstitial diseases and pulmonary hypertension, and monitoring disease progression. Case studies demonstrate that radiography may be useful in certain contexts, although it is not the primary imaging modality for this disease.

The advantages of radiography compared with other methods such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are discussed. It is concluded that radiography can serve as a complement to more sophisticated imaging methods in the diagnosis and monitoring of systemic sclerosis.