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Respiratory failure due to a massive rheumatoid pleural effusion
J D Pritikin1, W A Jensen, G G Yenokida
1Department of Medicine, Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, CA 95128.
The Journal of Rheumatology
|May 1, 1990
Summary
Rheumatoid arthritis can cause rare, massive pleural effusions leading to respiratory failure. This case demonstrates successful treatment with prednisone and penicillamine, resolving the effusion.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Pulmonology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease primarily affecting joints but can have systemic manifestations.
- Pleural effusions are a known, albeit uncommon, complication of rheumatoid arthritis.
Observation:
- A patient with rheumatoid arthritis and chronic obstructive lung disease presented with respiratory failure.
- The cause was identified as a massive pleural effusion of rheumatoid origin.
Findings:
- The massive rheumatoid pleural effusion, a rare occurrence, led to respiratory compromise.
- Treatment with prednisone and penicillamine resulted in the resolution of the pleural effusion.
Implications:
- This case highlights a rare but severe presentation of rheumatoid arthritis affecting the pleura.
- It underscores the importance of considering rheumatoid pleural effusion in patients with RA and respiratory symptoms.
- The successful treatment suggests a therapeutic option for this uncommon complication.
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