[Chronic eosinophilic pneumonia associated with rheumatoid arthritis]

We encountered a 45-year-old woman with chronic eosinophilic pneumonia associated with rheumatoid arthritis. In May 1997, she was given a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis and prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. After a month, she visited our hospital because of fever and cough. A chest roentgenogram and computed tomographic scan on first admission revealed peripheral infiltrative shadows in the upper fields of both lungs. Approximately 30% of peripheral blood cells were eosinophils. Furthermore eosinophils were elevated in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and transbronchial lung biopsy specimens. A conclusive diagnosis of chronic eosinophilic pneumonia was made on these grounds. The patient responded well to steroid treatment, but was readmitted a week later because of worsening joint pain and skin eruptions in the lower extremities of both legs. A skin biopsy showed perivascular and interstitial eosinophil infiltration. The combination of steroids, a disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug, and a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug proved to be effective.