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The Curious Bag
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A pulmonary rheumatoid nodule is a feature of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) found on the lungs. It is a rare occurrence which is comparable to nodules found under the skin in rheumatoid arthritis.
Incidence
Pulmonary rheumatoid nodules are found in between 1 and 28 percent of tested individuals with RA, depending on the screening test used (they are found more often on CT scans than x-rays), according to the Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center.
Identification
These nodules are found most often in men who have active rheumatoid disease, and, according to Johns Hopkins, smoking may be a risk factor.
Effects
Most nodules cause no symptoms, although some may lead to coughing, expectoration and chest pain, according to Johns Hopkins.
Features
Nodules tend to occur in groups. They may increase in size, clear up and then return, according to Johns Hopkins. They may respond to treatment with steroids or methotrexate (an RA drug) if treatment is deemed necessary.
Complications
Pulmonary rheumatoid nodules may be accompanied by complications like fungal infection and are sometimes fatal, according to A. Cavazza, et al., of the Department of Pathology at Santa Maria Nuova Hospital.
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