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Semin Respir Crit Care Med 2007; 28(4): 430-440
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-985664
Copyright © 2007 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Pulmonary Manifestations of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Umair A. Gauhar1 , Angelo L. Gaffo2 , Graciela S. Alarcón3
  • 1Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
  • 2Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
  • 3Division of Immunology and Rheumatology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
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Publication History

Publication Date:
03 September 2007 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic disease, characterized by symmetric joint involvement, but it can also affect other organ systems, including the lungs. The better-known pulmonary manifestations of RA are interstitial lung disease, rheumatoid nodules, and pleural effusions. Less common manifestations include bronchiolitis obliterans and crycoarytenoid arthritis. Management of these conditions involves, by and large, supportive pulmonary care and control of the underlying articular process. Other pulmonary manifestations in RA patients can ensue as a result of the treatments used for it, mainly methotrexate. This article discusses the most common pulmonary manifestations of RA and their treatment. A discussion about the increasing impact that cigarette smoking is having on RA is also provided.

KEYWORDS

Rheumatoid arthritis - lungs - pleura

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Graciela S AlarcónM.D. M.P.H. 

The University of Alabama at Birmingham

830 Faculty Office Tower, 510 20th St. South, Rm. 832, Birmingham, AL 35294-3408

Email: graciela.alarcon@ccc.uab.edu

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