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Summary
Gold-induced lung disease can occur in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Steroid treatment may reverse this interstitial pneumonitis, differentiating it from other rheumatoid arthritis-related lung conditions.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Pulmonology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease.
- Chrysotherapy, using gold salts, was a treatment for RA.
- Interstitial pneumonitis is a potential complication of chrysotherapy.
Observation:
- A 70-year-old female patient with seronegative RA presented with interstitial pneumonitis.
- The patient was undergoing treatment with gold salts (chrysotherapy).
Findings:
- The patient's lung disease demonstrated reversibility.
- A favorable response to steroid treatment was observed.
- These factors support a diagnosis of gold-induced lung disease.
Implications:
- Distinguishes gold-induced lung disease from other RA-associated interstitial lung diseases.
- Highlights the importance of considering drug toxicity in RA patients with lung issues.
- Emphasizes the potential efficacy of steroid therapy in managing gold-induced lung disease.