Pulmonary and pleural lesions in rheumatoid disease

Abstract

Lung and pleural involvement in rheumatoid disease is reviewed and discussed. Attention is drawn to the male preponderance, to the frequency with which lung infections occur in rheumatoid patients and to some problems posed in them by infection with mycobacteria. Pleural effusion, pulmonary nodules and fibrosing alveolitis are familiar in association with rheumatoid arthritis. Less familiar associations include upper lobe fibrosis, 'shrinking lung' and mixed pleural and pulmonary involvement. It is suggested that rheumatoid patients display a wider range of intrathoracic disease than seems generally appreciated.