Introduction: Pulmonary fibrosis secondary to systemic sclerosis (SSc) is the major cause
of morbidity and mortality in these patients. The aim of this study was to determine the
correlation of important lung function parameters with chest high resolution CT scan
(HRCT).
Methods and materials: Thirty–two consecutive diffuse SSc patients (according to the
criteria of american college of rheumatology) with pulmonary involvement were enrolled in
this cross-sectional study. Patients with pulmonary fibrosis secondary to other reasons,
previous restrictive lung disease, and history of smoking were excluded. Complete lung
function evaluation was performed. Also the severity of dyspnea was evaluated by Modified
Medical Research Council (MMRC) scale.EDD index was calculated based on 6MWT,
DLco, and MMRC.
The EDD index in scleroderma lung fibrosis.
The chest HRCT was performed and the Warrick score recorded in all patients.
Results: The mean age of the patients was 39.18 years ±9.39 (SD).Seventeen (53%) of
patients were in EDD stage 1 (score: 0_score_3), 9 patients (28%) in stage 2 (3<score _6),
and 6patients (19%) in stage 3(6<score_9). The mean Warrick score was 10.84±6.94
(SD).There was statistically significant correlation between EDD index and Warrick score
(p=0.001, r=0.72).Also there was statistically significant relation in EDD stages with
Warrick scores (p=0.002).
Conclusion: The EDD as a useful lung function index is completely related to chest HRCT
findings in SSc pulmonary fibrosis and can be used in clinical practice
