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Erosion Identification in Metacarpophalangeal Joints in Rheumatoid Arthritis using High-Resolution Peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography
Published on: October 6, 2023
[Bronchiectasis in rheumatoid arthritis. High resolution computed pulmonary tomography]
Samir Kochbati1, Fatma Boussema, Mohamed Ben Miled
1Service de médecine interne, Hôpital Habib Thameur, Tunis.
La Tunisie Medicale
|August 29, 2007
Summary
Bronchiectasis, a lung condition, was found in 16.6% of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. This study highlights bronchiectasis as a frequent abnormality in RA, though not linked to specific disease markers.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Rheumatology
- Radiology
Background:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease.
- Pulmonary complications are common in RA patients.
- The prevalence of bronchiectasis in RA requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of bronchiectasis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
- To identify potential associations between bronchiectasis and clinical, radiological, or spirometric parameters in RA patients.
Main Methods:
- High-resolution computed pulmonary tomography (HRCT) was performed on 30 RA patients.
- Clinical, radiological, and spirometry data were collected and analyzed.
- Patients were assessed for the presence of bronchiectasis and associated findings.
Main Results:
- Bronchiectasis was identified in 5 out of 30 (16.6%) RA patients.
- Bronchiectasis was the most frequent abnormality detected.
- Associated findings included interstitial syndrome (2 cases) and pleural node (1 case).
- No significant differences were found in rheumatoid factor, extra-articular involvement, respiratory symptoms, smoking status, or spirometry between groups with and without bronchiectasis.
Conclusions:
- Bronchiectasis is a notable finding in rheumatoid arthritis patients.
- The presence of bronchiectasis in RA may not correlate with traditional disease markers or respiratory function.
- Further research is warranted to understand the pathogenesis and clinical implications of bronchiectasis in RA.
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