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Imaging Features of Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease
Published on: June 16, 2020
Rheumatoid Arthritis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease Presenting With Raynaud's Phenomenon: A Case Report
Prashant Ghule1, Anil Sontakke1, Saood Ali1
1Respiratory Medicine, N.K.P. Salve Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre and Lata Mangeshkar Hospital (NKPSIMS and LMH), Nagpur, IND.
Abstract:
Rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD) is a recognized extra-articular manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis. Pulmonary involvement may occasionally precede overt articular disease, creating diagnostic challenges. A patient presented with breathlessness for 2-3 months and joint pain of similar duration, along with bluish discoloration of the left middle finger, suggestive of Raynaud's phenomenon. Respiratory examination revealed bilateral inspiratory crepitations in the infrascapular and infra-axillary areas. Rheumatoid factor was positive, while antinuclear antibody was negative. High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of the thorax demonstrated microcystic honeycombing, basal subpleural fibrosis, and traction bronchiectasis, consistent with a usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) pattern. This case highlights ILD as a potential early manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis and emphasizes the importance of autoimmune evaluation in patients presenting with fibrotic ILD and systemic features such as Raynaud's phenomenon.
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