[Changes in the respiratory system of patients with rheumatoid arthritis]

Rheumatoid changes in the lungs are seen in 30% of cases of rheumatoid arthritis. Three cases with different patterns of pulmonary involvement in the course of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are presented. In all cases pleural involvement was seen, in two subjects since the beginning, in the remaining in the course of developing interstitial lung disease. In two cases the dominant changes in the respiratory system were interstitial pneumonitis. In one case the interstitial pneumonitis took a fulminating course, being resistant to treatment with prednisone, endoxan, penicillamine. In the third case, the interstitial pneumonitis was of chronic character, despite the fact that the subject did not receive any treatment, it did not progress. In the first case the main features were pulmonary cavities. The could have evolved from necrosis of rheumatoid nodules or vessel changes.