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Impact of Severe COVID‐19 on Interstitial Lung Disease in Autoimmune Systemic Diseases

Sep 2026 · Respirology Case Reports · Vol 14 · 0 citations · 15 references
Medicine

TL;DR

The observed NSIP‐to‐UIP shift highlights a multistep process potentially driven by SARS‐CoV‐2, underscoring the need for close ILD monitoring in ASD patients.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to assess the impact of severe COVID‐19 pneumonia on the course of interstitial lung disease (ILD) in autoimmune systemic diseases (ASD). We conducted a multicentre case series of 27 ASD patients (20 systemic sclerosis, 4 rheumatoid arthritis, 1 interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features, 1 dermatomyositis, 1 eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis) hospitalised for severe COVID‐19. Clinical data, pulmonary function tests and HRCT before and after infection were analysed. Four patients died during acute COVID‐19. Among the 23 survivors, 10 developed new symptomatic ILD and 13 showed worsening of pre‐existing ILD. Six exhibited significant HRCT progression, including NSIP‐to‐UIP transition; one developed lung adenocarcinoma. Despite treatment, five more patients died during follow‐up from progressive ILD. Overall mortality approached one‐third, with systemic sclerosis most affected. Severe COVID‐19 may trigger or accelerate ASD‐related ILD. The observed NSIP‐to‐UIP shift highlights a multistep process potentially driven by SARS‐CoV‐2, underscoring the need for close ILD monitoring in ASD patients.

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