Related Experiment Videos
Thoracic surgical problems associated with rheumatoid arthritis
The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery
|March 1, 1975
Summary
Rheumatoid arthritis can affect the lungs, pleura, and pericardium, sometimes requiring thoracic surgery. Patients with severe rheumatoid disease can tolerate major thoracic surgery for life-threatening complications.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Thoracic Surgery
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease.
- RA can manifest in the pleura, lungs, and pericardium.
- These manifestations can lead to severe complications requiring surgical intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present cases of pleural, lung, and pericardial manifestations of RA.
- To evaluate the feasibility and outcomes of thoracic surgery in RA patients with complications.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of nine patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
- Inclusion of patients who underwent lung biopsies or thoracic surgical procedures.
- Description of surgical interventions performed.
Main Results:
- Nine cases illustrating pleural, lung, and pericardial RA involvement are presented.
- Three patients had lung biopsies to confirm RA changes.
- Six patients required thoracic surgery for complications like empyema and hemorrhage.
- All patients tolerated major thoracic surgery and complications.
Conclusions:
- Thoracic manifestations of RA can be severe and necessitate surgical intervention.
- Patients with severe rheumatoid disease can successfully undergo major thoracic surgery for critical complications.
- Prompt surgical management can improve outcomes in RA patients with thoracic complications.