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Updated: Jun 20, 2026

Robotic-assisted Left Pneumonectomy For Vanishing Lung Syndrome
Published on: January 23, 2026
Pleuropulmonary complications of rheumatoid arthritis: a thoracic surgeon's challenge
Natasha Rueth1, Rafael Andrade, Shawn Groth
1Department of Surgery, Division of Thoracic and Foregut Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.
Abstract:
Approximately 1% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis have chronic lung disease develop, which can lead to complications, including pneumothorax and bronchopleural fistula. Given the inflammatory changes found, along with the immunosuppressant regimen used in management, these complications are often recalcitrant to initial surgical maneuvers. Our goal in reviewing these patients is to demonstrate the escalation of therapeutic interventions that may be needed to ensure successful resolution of this challenging disease process.
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