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Bronchoscopy
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Respiratory system
Respiratory system

Rheumatoid lung disease
Definition:
A disease that is associated with rheumatoid arthritis and includes pleural effusions, pulmonary fibrosis, lung nodules, pulmonary hypertension, and other conditions.

Alternative Names:
Lung disease associated with rheumatoid arthritis

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
Pulmonary abnormalities are common in rheumatoid arthritis, but they are often asymptomatic. The causes of lung disease associated with rheumatoid arthritis are unknown. Sometimes the medicines used to treat rheumatoid arthritis may result in lung disease.
Symptoms:
Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:
Signs and tests:
Crackles may be heard when listening to the lungs with a stethoscope (auscultation). Alternatively, there may be decreased breath sounds, a "rub", or normal breath sounds.
  • A chest X-ray may show abnormalities consistent with rheumatoid lung disease.
  • A CT scan of the chest may show abnormalities consistent with rheumatoid lung disease.
  • An echocardiogram may show pulmonary hypertension.
  • A thoracentesis (putting a needle into fluid around the lung) may show characteristics of rheumatoid lung disease.
  • A bronchoscopic, video-assisted, or open lung biopsy may show findings consistent with rheumatoid lung disease.
Treatment:
Many people have no symptoms. Therefore, treatment is aimed at the underlying disorder and for specific complications resulting from this disorder. Corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive therapy are sometimes indicated.
Expectations (prognosis):
The outcome is related to the underlying disorder and the type and severity of lung disease.
Complications:
Calling your health care provider:
Call your health care provider PROMPTLY if you have rheumatoid arthritis and unexplained breathing difficulties occur.
Prevention:
There is no known prevention. People with rheumatoid arthritis should consult the health care provider PROMPTLY if breathing difficulty develops.
Review Date: 12/2/2001
Reviewed By: Steven Kawut, M.D., Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York City, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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