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Updated: Jun 5, 2026
04:44
Imaging Features of Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease
Published on: June 16, 2020
The lung in rheumatoid arthritis
Anat Amital1, David Shitrit, Yochai Adir
1Pulmonary Institute, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Campus, Petach Tikva, Israel.
Presse Medicale (Paris, France : 1983)
|January 4, 2011
Summary
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is increasingly linked to lung disease, affecting lungs, airways, and pleura. This overview highlights RA-associated parenchymal lung disease, pleural effusion, and airway issues.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Pulmonology
- Immunology
Background:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a prevalent inflammatory condition affecting approximately 1% of the global population.
- While RA primarily impacts joints, its extra-articular manifestations, particularly lung disease, contribute significantly to morbidity and mortality.
- The incidence of RA-associated lung disease is rising, posing a considerable health challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of lung diseases associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
- To emphasize the prevalence and characteristics of parenchymal lung disease, pleural effusion, and airway involvement in RA patients.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing research on RA-associated lung disease.
- Analysis of epidemiological data and clinical findings related to pulmonary complications in RA.
- Focus on studies defining and investigating lung parenchymal, pleural, and airway manifestations.
Main Results:
- Rheumatoid arthritis can manifest in the lung parenchyma, airways, and pleura.
- Pulmonary complications account for 10-20% of mortality in RA patients.
- RA-related lung disease is more common than complications from infection or drug toxicity.
Conclusions:
- Lung disease is a significant and increasing concern in rheumatoid arthritis management.
- Understanding the specific pulmonary manifestations (parenchymal, pleural, airway) is crucial for patient care.
- Further research is needed to clarify the varying prevalence based on population and diagnostic methods.
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