The Patterns of pulmonary manifestations in ILDs in rheumatoid arthritis

Background : Interstitial lung diseases (ILD) may be manifested with extra-articular manifestations in rheumatoid arthritis patients; these manifestations may be occur as a preceding entity or several years after the RA diagnosis and can cause important effect on morbidity and mortality. Objectives: is to evaluate the Patterns of pulmonary manifestations in ILDs in rheumatoid arthritis Patients and methods: This is cross-sectional study was conducted at Qena university hospital, South Valley University, Qena through evaluation of 50 rheumatoid arthritis patients were selected from those attending the outpatient clinic and those admitted in the inpatients of Physical Medicine, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation Department at Qena University Hospital. Results: Mean morning stiffness is 42.2 ± 18.77 minute and the most prevalent symptom presented was subcutaneous nodules (60%) followed by dryness of the mouth (16%). Conclusion: Interstitial lung diseases caused by rheumatoid arthritis is a serious complication of RA causing increased morbidity and mortality.