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Caplan’s syndrome |
| Definition: |
| Inflammation and scarring of the lungs in people with rheumatoid arthritis who have exposure to coal dust. |
| Alternative Names: |
| Rheumatoid pneumoconiosis |
| Causes, incidence, and risk factors: |
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Inhalation of coal dust causes inflammation and scarring of the lung. Persons with rheumatoid arthritis are more prone to develop larger areas of inflammation and scarring in response to coal dust. Caplan's syndrome is very rare in the USA. |
| Symptoms: |
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| Signs and tests: |
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Your health care provider will take a detailed medical history that will include questions about your occupations (past and present) and other possible sources of exposure to coal dust. A physical exam, with special attention paid to the presence of joint and skin disease, will be performed. Other tests that may aid in the diagnosis include: |
| Treatment: |
| There is no specific treatment for Caplan's syndrome. It is important to treat the rheumatoid arthritis. |
| Support Groups: |
| Attending support groups with other persons who have similar diseases may help you understand your disease and adjust to its treatment and other changes in your lifestyle. |
| Expectations (prognosis): |
| Coal worker's pneumoconiosis uncommonly causes significant breathing difficulty or disability. Persons with Caplan's syndrome may be at increased risk for tuberculosis (TB), and should be screened for exposure to TB. |
| Complications: |
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| Calling your health care provider: |
| Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms occur that are suggestive of Caplan's syndrome. |
| Prevention: |
| People with rheumatoid arthritis should avoid exposure to hazardous dust. |
Reviewed By: David A. Kaufman, M.D., Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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