Rheumatoid Pulmonary Disease

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
SYSTEMIC granulomatous lesions that have a microscopical appearance similar to that of subcutaneous rheumatoid nodules have been observed in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.1 2 3 4 In the absence of pneumoconiosis such lesions of the lung are believed to be rare. In 1948 Ellman and Ball5 first described 3 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and associated pulmonary disease that they considered a manifestation of the rheumatoid process. Fifty-five cases of rheumatoid pulmonary disease have thus far been reported. In 28 cases the diagnosis was made only on clinical grounds.6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Of the 27 cases studied histologically, sixteen showed nonspecific changes with diffuse pulmonary fibrosis.4 , 5 , 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Rheumatoid . . .