Rheumatoid arthritis associated recurrent pleural effusion

Authors

Ramsha Abbas MD, Baystate HealthFollow
Muhammad Khan MD, Baystate HealthFollow
Anthony El Khoury MD, Baystate HealthFollow
AlBatool AlMahdy MD, Baystate HealthFollow
Mohammad Abu-Hishmeh MD, Baystate HealthFollow

Author Department

Internal Medicine; Pulmonary/Critical Care Medicine; Pathology; Medicine

Document Type

Article, Peer-reviewed

Publication Date

10-2024

Abstract

Pleural effusions and pulmonary nodules are known complications of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) though pleural extra-articular manifestations without clinical arthritis are rare. We present a 66-year-old male with dyspnea and weight loss, whose imaging revealed pleural effusions and lung nodules, multiple exudative pleural effusions, and a thoracoscopic biopsy showing chronic pleuritis and granulomatous inflammation. Subsequent joint stiffness and positive rheumatoid markers led to a RA diagnosis. Patient received prednisone and methotrexate, leading to symptomatic improvement but with recurrent pleural effusions, requiring regular thoracenteses. RA can cause pleural effusions and lung nodules without arthritis necessitating advanced treatments for persistent effusions.

Recommended Citation

Abbas R, Khan MA, El Khoury A, AlMahdy A, Hishmeh MA. Rheumatoid arthritis associated recurrent pleural effusion. Respir Med Case Rep. 2024 Oct 5;52:102129. doi: 10.1016/j.rmcr.2024.102129.

PMID

39498239