MCQ – 100112

Pulmonary complications of rheumatoid arthritis include the following except:

Correct Answer � B Explanation

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease that primarily affects joints but also has a wide range of extra-articular manifestations, including pulmonary involvement.

Common Pulmonary Complications of RA:

1. Pleural Effusion

   • Typically exudative, with low glucose and low pH

   • Seen in up to 20% of RA patients

2. Pulmonary Nodules

   • Rheumatoid nodules can be multiple, subpleural, and may cavitate

3. Fibrosing Alveolitis / Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)

   • Most commonly usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) pattern

   • Presents with progressive dyspnea and dry cough

4. Bronchiolitis obliterans, organizing pneumonia, pulmonary vasculitis

Reason Why Option B (Mesothelioma) is NOT a Feature:

• Mesothelioma is a malignancy of the pleura caused by asbestos exposure, not associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

• It is seen in occupational exposure (construction, shipbuilding, insulation work), not autoimmune disease.