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Updated: Jul 26, 2026
04:44
Imaging Features of Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease
Published on: June 16, 2020
Pulmonary involvement in rheumatoid arthritis
J M Anaya1, L Diethelm, L A Ortiz
1Department of Medicine, Louisiana State University School of Medicine, New Orleans, USA.
Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism
|February 1, 1995
Summary
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can affect the lungs, causing conditions like pleurisy and fibrosis. Treatment for RA-related lung disease is empirical, often involving corticosteroids and immunosuppressants.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Pulmonology
- Immunology
Background:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease primarily affecting joints but also manifesting as extra-articular disease.
- Pulmonary involvement is a significant extra-articular manifestation of RA, encompassing various conditions affecting the lungs.
- While RA is more prevalent in women, rheumatoid lung disease disproportionately affects men with long-standing disease, positive rheumatoid factor, and nodules.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the spectrum of pulmonary involvement in rheumatoid arthritis.
- To describe the clinical features, histology, and treatment of various rheumatoid lung diseases.
- To highlight the challenges in diagnosing and managing lung complications in RA patients.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on pulmonary manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis.
- Analysis of clinical presentations, diagnostic criteria, and treatment outcomes.
- Discussion of specific lung conditions associated with RA, including interstitial lung disease, airway disease, and drug-induced pneumonitis.
Main Results:
- Pleural involvement is the most common lung manifestation in RA, often asymptomatic.
- Pulmonary fibrosis in RA shares similarities with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
- Bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia (BOOP), obliterative bronchiolitis (OB), and methotrexate (MTX)-pneumonitis are recognized pulmonary complications.
- Rheumatoid pulmonary vasculitis is rare.
- Pulmonary disease can also be a toxic effect of RA treatments.
Conclusions:
- Pulmonary involvement in RA is diverse and requires careful diagnosis and management.
- Treatment strategies for rheumatoid lung disease are often empirical, focusing on corticosteroids and immunosuppressants.
- Early recognition and intervention are crucial for managing lung complications in RA patients.
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