Caplan's syndrome

Alternative names:

rheumatoid arthritis-pneumoconiosis; rheumatoid lung silicosis; silioarthritis

Definition:

An inflammation of the lungs in people with rheumatoid arthritis who have exposure to coal dust or silica from mining or other dusty occupations.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The cause of Caplan's syndrome is not known, but people with rheumatoid arthritis are more prone to develop inflammation in response to dust. Caplan's syndrome may occur in 1 out of 100,000 people.