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Semin Musculoskelet Radiol 2025; 29(02): 167-182
DOI: 10.1055/s-0045-1802663
Review Article

Chest and Chest Wall Manifestations in Rheumatic Diseases

Cedric Lycke
1   Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
,
Lennart B.O. Jans
1   Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
,
Elke Vereecke
1   Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
,
Jacob L. Jaremko
2   Department of Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging, University of Alberta Hospital, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
,
Thomas Van Den Berghe
1   Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
,
Koenraad J. Mortele
1   Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
,
Nele Herregods
1   Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
,
Eva Schiettecatte
1   Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
,
Robert Gosselin
1   Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
,
Min Chen
3   Department of Radiology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
,
Lieve Morbée
1   Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
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Abstract

Thoracic involvement is common in patients with rheumatic diseases, contributing to significant morbidity and mortality. Early detection and prompt treatment may prevent the establishment of irreversible changes, thus improving patients' outcomes. Imaging studies play a vital role in the early detection of chest and chest wall manifestations, especially in patients with subclinical disease. Familiarity with the frequently affected thoracic regions and their presentation on imaging is therefore essential for practicing radiologists to provide an accurate assessment of the disease burden and treatment response. This review summarizes the common and less well-known chest and chest wall imaging features of rheumatic diseases.

Keywords

imaging - interstitial lung disease - anterior chest wall - spondyloarthritis - rheumatic diseases


Publication History

Article published online:
31 March 2025

© 2025. Thieme. All rights reserved.

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