Interstitial lung disease associated with the idiopathic inflammatory myopathies: what progress has been made in the past 35 years?

Interstitial lung disease is commonly associated with the autoimmune inflammatory myopathies dermatomyositis and polymyositis and accounts for significant morbidity and mortality in these conditions. In the 35 years since the association between inflammatory myopathy and interstitial lung disease was initially described, there has been progress in diagnosing and treating this dis-order. Nevertheless, there remains much about pathogenesis and therapeutics to be learned. This review examines the changes in the understanding of this complex condition, highlighting recent advances and areas deserving of further study.