Rheumatoid arthritis: respiratory manifestations

Question 1

Give examples of respiratory manifestations of RA

Answer 1

• infection secondary to immunosuppression
• pulmonary fibrosis
• pleural effusion
• pulmonary nodules
• bronchiolitis obliterans
• complications of drug therapy e.g. methotrexate pneumonitis
• pleurisy
• Caplan’s syndrome - massive fibrotic nodules with occupational coal dust exposure