Portable Lung Ultrasound in Rheumatoid Arthri...

Portable Lung Ultrasound in Rheumatoid Arthritis Associated Interstitial Lung Disease: An Exploratory Study of Sonographic Findings and Association with Oxygen

Author Name : Sagaon Avila Jose de Jesus, Negrete Olmedo Dulce Natzielli, Veliz Castillo Ivan, Trejo Hernandez Viridiana, Alvarez Castro Melva Gissell

ABSTRACT Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) frequently involves the respiratory system and RA-associated interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD) is a major contributor to morbidity and mortality. High-resolution computed tomography is the reference standard for diagnosis and follow-up, but limited accessibility and cumulative radiation motivate complementary bedside tools. Objective: To identify predominant portable lung ultrasound (LUS) findings in patients with RA-ILD and to explore their association with clinical deterioration defined as the need for supplemental oxygen. Methods: We conducted an analytical cross-sectional study (March–October 2025) in adults with RA-ILD confirmed by a pulmonologist in a tertiary referral center. Consecutive outpatients were evaluated using a portable LUS protocol across 14 thoracic points.