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Updated: Aug 1, 2026
14:39
Bronchial Thermoplasty: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Severe Asthma
Published on: November 4, 2010
[Rheumatoid arthritis-associated bronchiolitis successfully treated with erythromycin]
S Matsui1, N Yamashita, M Narukawa
1First Department of Internal Medicine, Toyama Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Faculty of Medicine, Japan.
Summary
Rheumatoid arthritis patients can develop various lung conditions, including interstitial pneumonia and bronchiolitis. This case highlights successful treatment of these pulmonary lesions with erythromycin.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Rheumatology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder.
- Pulmonary complications are common in RA patients.
- Bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia (BOOP) is one such complication.
Observation:
- A 52-year-old male with RA and a history of suspected BOOP presented with cough and fever.
- Imaging revealed patchy infiltrates, centrilobular nodules, and thickened broncho-vascular bundles.
- Lung biopsies showed interstitial pneumonia with BOOP pattern, follicular bronchiolitis, and bronchiolitis.
Findings:
- The patient had coexisting interstitial pneumonia, BOOP pattern, follicular bronchiolitis, and bronchiolitis.
- Chronic sinusitis was also noted.
- Treatment with erythromycin led to regression of abnormal CT findings.
Implications:
- This case demonstrates the diverse pulmonary manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis.
- Erythromycin showed efficacy in treating these complex lung conditions in an RA patient.
- Highlights the importance of considering pulmonary involvement in RA management.
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