PET scans offer hope for SSc-ILD patients

Researchers studied whether a special type of scan called a PET scan (specifically, 18F-FDG PET) could help predict how people with systemic sclerosis–associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD) might do over time. This scan looks at how “active” the lung tissue is by measuring how much sugar it uses, which can be a sign of inflammation or disease activity.  This research was supported by Breathing Matters.

What is systemic sclerosis–associated interstitial lung disease?

SSc-ILD is a serious respiratory condition where the lungs become inflamed and scarred, making it harder to breathe and for oxygen to reach the bloodstream. It affects some people with systemic sclerosis (also known as scleroderma) and can worsen over time if not closely monitored and treated.

Why is early risk prediction so important?

Doctors currently rely on breathing tests, CT scans and clinical assessments to understand how severe the disease is. However, these tools do not always show how active or aggressive the disease may become in the future. Being able to identify people at higher risk earlier could help guide closer monitoring and more personalised treatment decisions.

What is a 18F-FDG PET scan and how does it work in lung disease?

An 18F-FDG PET scan is an imaging test that uses a small amount of radioactive sugar to show how active cells are in the lungs, helping doctors see inflammation or disease activity. It works by tracking how much sugar (glucose) different areas of the body use. In lung disease, higher sugar use can be a sign of inflammation or ongoing disease activity, even before major damage appears on a standard CT scan.

What did the research study investigate?

Researchers studied whether PET scans could help predict outcomes for people with SSc-ILD. They asked a key question: Can lung activity seen on a 18F-FDG PET scan identify patients who are more likely to experience disease progression or worse outcomes?

What were the main findings?

The study found that:

• People whose lungs showed higher activity on 18F-FDG PET scans were more likely to have poorer outcomes.
• This was true even when parts of the lung looked normal on standard CT scans.
• When the PET scan results were combined with breathing tests and clinical risk scores, doctors could better identify high-risk patients earlier.

How could this help patients in the future?

This study does not change treatment yet but, in the future, 18F-FDG PET scans could help doctors:

• Spot early warning signs of aggressive lung disease.
• Decide who may need closer monitoring or earlier treatment.
• Move toward more personalised care plans for people living with SSc-ILD.

For people with SSc-ILD today, it offers hope for better prediction, earlier intervention and more tailored treatments.

You can read the full article here.

[Published February 2026]