ABSTRACT

Rheumatoid arthritis is the most commonly encountered inflammatory joint disease, affecting nearly 1% of the adult population. Extra-articular manifestations are the major cause of morbidity and mortality. Rheumatoid arthritis associated lung diseases are responsible for %10-20 of all mortality. Although pulmonary infection and drug toxicity are frequent, lung parenchyma, airways and the pleural involvement which are directly associated with underlying rheumatoid arthritis are more common. A review of the lung diseases with a prominence on airway involvement, pleural effusion and parenchymal lung disease has been presented here.