[Diffusive interstitial pulmonary fibrosis in chronic polyarthritis]

Among 167 in-patients with rheumatoid arthritis, 7 cases (4,2%) of diffuse interstitial pulmonary fibrosis of variable degree were revealed by chest X-ray examination. There was a predominance of the advanced functional classes according to Steinbrocker (where the duration of the disease was approximately the same as in patients without pulmonary fibrosis). There were higher 1-hour erythrocyte sedimentation rates and gamma-globulin valves and lower levels of hemoglobin and hematocrit in the patients with diffuse interstitial pulmonary fibrosis than in those without pulmonary changes. The etiological and pathogenetic aspects of several theories are discussed. The therapeutic possibilities are described and the importance of penicillamine therapy is emphasized.