[Pulmonary changes in rheumatoid arthritis]

A 78-year-old smoker with a medical history of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) diagnosed 23 years before death and treated for 10 years by sulfasalazine followed by 7 years of therapy by purine antimetabolite (AZAMUN, Leiras Co.). Two years before his death chemotherapy was added to treat a low grade malignant lymphoma. Pulmonary changes revealed during autopsy consisted of diffuse interstitial fibrosis, diffuse alveolar damage in its acute to subacute phase, and massive multiple bilateral ossifications. The possible side effect of RA treatment on pulmonary tissue is discussed. Post mortem low-voltage X-ray examination appears as a method which may contribute to the accurate distribution and correct diagnosis of multiple pulmonary ossification.