Rheumatoid lung disease

Alternative names:

lung disease associated with rheumatoid arthritis

Definition:

A disease that is associated with rheumatoid arthritis and includes pleural effusions, diffuse interstitial pulmonary fibrosis, and other rarer conditions.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

About 50% of people with rheumatoid arthritis have lung function abnormalities, and up to 25% will have evidence of interstitial lung disease. Pleural thickening, adhesions, and pleural effusions may develop. The risk factors other than rheumatoid arthritis are not known. The incidence is 1 out of 10,000 people. Lung (pulmonary) manifestations rarely occur in the juvenile form of rheumatoid arthritis.