Textbook of Rheumatology, Volume 2

Examines the intricate connections between rheumatic disorders, immune function, and lung disease. It guides the management of autoimmune processes intertwined with infection risk through diagnostic testing, vaccine plans, and real-case analyses, highlighting the need for coordinated multidisciplinary care. Rheumatic disorders require a solid grounding in immunology, infection risk and pulmonary complications that may mimic or complicate autoimmune disease. Volume 2 covers foundational immunopathology, infectious considerations in immunosuppressed patients, and the assessment of obstructive and interstitial lung disease in rheumatology. Topics include diagnostic immunoassays, vaccine strategies, infection prophylaxis, and the interface between rheumatic therapies and pulmonary outcomes. Case-based discussions illustrate management choices when infections and autoimmune lung disease overlap. Guidance on multidisciplinary care—rheumatology, infectious disease and pulmonology—is emphasized for safe, evidence-informed practice. The book serves specialists and trainees managing complex rheumatic cases.