Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 13, 2026
04:44
Imaging Features of Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease
Published on: June 16, 2020
21.0K
Rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease
Joshua J Solomon1, Kevin K Brown1
1Autoimmune Lung Center and interstitial Lung Disease Program, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO, USA.
Open Access Rheumatology : Research and Reviews
|March 5, 2012
Summary
Rheumatoid arthritis can cause lung complications, including interstitial lung disease, particularly in smokers. This condition often presents with cough and shortness of breath, requiring treatment for progressive lung damage.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology and Pulmonology
- Immunology and Genetics
Background:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic inflammatory condition affecting 1% of the US population, with common extra-articular involvement of the lungs.
- Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a serious complication of RA, more frequent in smokers, males, and individuals with high antibody titers.
Approach:
- High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) is utilized to assess lung involvement, revealing abnormalities in over half of RA patients.
- Pulmonary function tests commonly show reduced diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO).
Key Points:
- The most frequent HRCT and histopathology pattern in RA-ILD is usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP), followed by nonspecific interstitial pneumonia.
- The pathogenesis is not fully understood but likely involves environmental factors and genetic predisposition, with smoking potentially triggering autoimmunity through protein citrullination.
- Patients typically present with cough and dyspnea in middle age.
Conclusions:
- RA-ILD is a progressive condition, with over half of patients exhibiting radiographic progression within two years.
- Treatment for severe or progressive RA-ILD involves corticosteroids, potentially with cytotoxic agents for at least six months.
- Prognosis for RA-ILD with a UIP pattern is comparable to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
Related Concept Videos
01:23Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction
717
Rheumatic heart disease or RHD is a chronic condition that results from rheumatic fever, causing permanent damage to the heart valves.Etiology and Risk FactorsIt primarily arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease that can develop after untreated or inadequately treated group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis. Streptococcus spreads through direct contact with oral or respiratory secretions. While the bacteria are the causative agents, factors like malnutrition, overcrowding, poor...
717
01:22Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
878
The key clinical manifestations of Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) include several distinct cardiac symptoms.Carditis, a hallmark of acute rheumatic fever, involves inflammation of the heart's endocardium, myocardium, and pericardium. Chronic RHD often results from recurrent episodes of carditis. Its symptoms include the following:Murmurs are caused by valvular damage, especially to the mitral and aortic valves. Mitral stenosis or regurgitation is common, with characteristic heart murmurs...
878
01:27Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-IV: Assessement and Diagnostic Studies
3.3K
Assessing and diagnosing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) involves a detailed approach that includes a comprehensive review of medical history, physical examination, and a variety of diagnostic tests. This thorough evaluation is essential to ensure an accurate diagnosis and guide effective management strategies.
Medical History
Medical History
3.3K
01:20Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology
5.0K
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) pathophysiology is intricate and multifaceted, involving a complex interplay of physiological processes. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for effectively managing and treating COPD. Here is an in-depth look at the critical elements in the pathophysiology of COPD:
Chronic Inflammation
Chronic Inflammation
5.0K
01:24Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
2.9K
COPD is defined as a heterogeneous lung condition marked by persistent respiratory symptoms such as dyspnea, cough, and sputum production, caused by abnormalities in the airways that cause airflow obstruction.
Smoking is a primary risk factor for COPD, with over 80% of patients having a history of it. Patients typically experience progressive dyspnea or labored breathing, frequent coughing, and recurrent pulmonary infections. Many eventually succumb to respiratory failure, characterized by...
Smoking is a primary risk factor for COPD, with over 80% of patients having a history of it. Patients typically experience progressive dyspnea or labored breathing, frequent coughing, and recurrent pulmonary infections. Many eventually succumb to respiratory failure, characterized by...
2.9K
01:20Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-I: Introduction
4.0K
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a long-lasting respiratory condition requiring continuous attention and care. It is a progressive lung disease that leads to breathing challenges due to airflow obstruction. It manifests as persistent respiratory symptoms and restricted airflow resulting from abnormalities in the airways and alveoli, usually due to long-term exposure to harmful particles or gases. COPD mainly consists of two primary conditions: emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
4.0K