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[Apical pulmonary fibrosis and rheumatoid polyarthritis]
C Henneghien1, S Schreiber, P Remacle
1Service de Pneumologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Tivoli, Belgique.
Revue Des Maladies Respiratoires
|January 1, 1988
Summary
Rheumatoid arthritis can cause apical pulmonary fibrosis, distinct from typical rheumatoid lung disease and resembling ankylosing spondylitis patterns. This suggests potential links to bronchiolitis obliterans.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Rheumatology
- Pathology
Background:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease primarily affecting joints.
- Pleuro-pulmonary manifestations are recognized complications of RA.
- Classical RA-associated lung disease typically involves interstitial pneumonia or pleural effusions.
Observation:
- A case of apical pulmonary fibrosis in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis is presented.
- The observed pulmonary lesions differed significantly from typical RA-related lung disease.
- The radiographic and pathological features mimicked those seen in ankylosing spondylitis.
Findings:
- A literature review identified ten similar cases of apical pulmonary fibrosis in RA patients.
- The distinct pattern suggests a specific, less common pulmonary manifestation of RA.
- Bronchiolitis obliterans is proposed as a potential underlying mechanism or associated condition.
Implications:
- This finding expands the spectrum of known pulmonary complications in rheumatoid arthritis.
- It highlights the importance of considering atypical presentations in RA-related lung disease.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the pathogenesis and clinical significance of this specific fibrotic pattern.