[Visceral manifestations of rheumatoid polyarthritis]

The commonest extra-articular symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include nodules, vasculitis, neuro-muscular involvement and keratoconjunctivitis sicca with dry mouth, characteristic of Sjögren's syndrome. However, laboratory tests demonstrate that there is a high percentage of pericarditis and involvement of the lungs, liver and pancreas, which are clinically silent. Personal statistics on extra-articular symptoms in 110 cases of classic rheumatoid arthritis are presented.