ABSTRACT
Most importantly, CTD patients are at high risk of infections from their autoimmune dysregulation and the immunosuppressive medications they take, making it the first diagnosis to exclude, even though infectious symptoms may not be prominent. Furthermore, other entities (such as smoking-related lung diseases) can occur in those with CTD. A thorough evaluation is needed in any CTD patient with new pulmonary abnormalities. In the case described, any of the diagnostic considerations listed are plausible and require further consideration and evaluation to arrive at an accurate diagnosis.
