Interstitial Pneumonia with Autoimmune Features: What the Rheumatologist Needs to Know.

IPAF is a recently defined classification of ILD patients who have features suggesting an autoimmune-mediated process, but do not fulfill current rheumatic disease criteria. The goal of the IPAF criteria is to provide a uniform case definition for the study of autoimmune ILD patients who do not currently fit within standard ILD diagnostic categories, ultimately improving diagnosis and therapy. Many of these patients are referred for rheumatologic evaluation to aid the diagnostic process. The care of the IPAF patient is complex and is multidisciplinary with pulmonology, rheumatology, pathology, radiology, physical therapy, primary care, pulmonary transplant providers all serving vital roles. The rheumatologist has several roles which include classification, disease monitoring, and management.