Proposed algorithm for performance of routine clinical tests in patients with scleroderma which may allow early detection of pulmonary arterial hypertension or other causes of functional impairment such as cardiac dysfunction (e.g., left ventricular dysfunction) or parenchymal disease (e.g., IPF).
(DLCO: single breath diffusing capacity to carbon monoxide; FVC: forced vital capacity; HRCT-high resolution computed tomography; ILD: Interstitial lung disease; PFTs: Pulmonary function tests;;; RHC: right heart catheterization; RV: right ventricle; TRV: tricuspid regurgitation jet; ).