The aims of this study were to assess whether a relationship between anti–SSA-52 and interstitial lung disease (ILD) can be further defined, and to enhance screening, detection, and potentially guide treatment.

A historical cohort study of 201 patients was conducted at a single tertiary care center between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2020. All included patients were anti–SSA-52 antibody positive. Chart review was performed for laboratory values, symptoms, pulmonary function tests, treatment, and imaging. Chest computed tomographies were reviewed by chest radiologists.

Among anti–SSA-52 antibody–positive patients, ILD was found in 125 (62.2%) compared with 76 (37.8%) with no ILD (p = 0.001). For those with ILD, 78 (62.4%) were diagnosed with connective tissue disease (CTD)–associated ILD, 28 (22.4%) were diagnosed ILD only, and 19 (15.2%) met the criteria for interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features. In patients with CTD-ILD, 18 (23.0%) had their ILD diagnosis made over 6 months before a CTD diagnosis, and an additional 43 (55.1%) had their ILD and CTD diagnosed within 6 months of each other (p < 0.001). Common computed tomography patterns were nonspecific interstitial pneumonia/organizing pneumonia overlap in 44 (35.2%), 25 (20.0%) nonspecific interstitial pneumonia, and 15 (12%) usual interstitial pneumonia. Twenty-eight (35.9%) had antisynthetase syndrome, followed by 16 (20.5%) with dermatomyositis, 10 (12.8%) with CTD overlap, and 6 (7.7%) with systemic scleroderma.

There was a significant association between anti–SSA-52 antibodies and ILD across a wide spectrum of rheumatological diagnoses. A significant portion of patients were diagnosed with ILD either at the same time or before their CTD diagnosis. Further study will be needed to assess effective treatment and response.