Alpha-1-antitrypsin associated liver disease in rheumatoid arthritis

Two cases of alpha-1-antitrypsin associated liver disease occurring in patients with rheumatoid arthritis are described. Both presented with abnormal liver function tests and the true diagnosis was only apparent after liver biopsy and detailed serological studies. The concurrence of these two conditions is noteworthy because of the postulated role of proteolytic enzymes in producing the characteristic cartilaginous erosions of rheumatoid arthritis.