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Rheumatoid lung disease

Definition:

Rheumatoid lung disease is a group of lung problems related to rheumatoid arthritis . The condition can include fluid in the chest ( pleural effusions ), scarring ( pulmonary fibrosis ), lumps (nodules), and high blood pressure in the lungs (pulmonary hypertension).

Alternative Names:

Lung disease - rheumatoid arthritis; Rheumatoid nodules

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Pulmonary abnormalities are common in rheumatoid arthritis, but they often cause no symptoms. The causes of lung disease associated with rheumatoid arthritis are unknown. Sometimes the medicines used to treat rheumatoid arthritis may result in lung disease.

References:

Strange C, Highland KB. Interstitial lung disease in the patient who has connective tissue disease. Clin Chest Med . September 2004;25:549-559.

Zrour SH, Touzi M, Bejia I, et al. Correlations between high-resolution computed tomography of the chest and clinical function in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Prospective study in 75 patients. Joint Bone Spine . January 2005;72:41-47.

Bronchoscopy

Respiratory system

Review Date: 3/13/2007
Reviewed By: David A. Kaufman, M.D., Assistant Professor, Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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