Methotrexate Induced Lung Diseases in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

Abstract

heumatoid arthritis (RA) is a progressive, systemic autoimmune disorder characterized by articular and extra-articular manifestations. The lung is commonly a site of extra-articular disease. Within the lung, manifestations of RA vary and may include airways, parenchymal, vascular, and pleural disease. Manifestations of lung disease in RA typically follow the development of articular disease, but in some instances lung involvement is the first manifestation of RA and is the most aggressive feature of the disease (Lee et al., 2007). Clinicians should therefore remain alert to the possibility of lung disease in all patients with RA.