Complicated Rheumatoid Nodules in Lung

Abstract EN

A 65-year-old nonsmoker lady carrying a diagnosis of seropositive erosive rheumatoid arthritis for nine years presented with acute shortness of breath, following a spontaneous pneumothorax while on combination therapy with methotrexate, leflunomide, and tocilizumab.

Imaging studies revealed multiple cavitory lung nodules, and a transbronchial lung biopsy favoured a diagnosis of rheumatoid lung nodules.

Her initial pathological samples were negative for any infectious cause.

A follow-up computerized tomography scan (CT scan) confirmed enlargement of lung nodules with a positive antibody test for aspergillosis which needed antifungal therapy, and currently, her arthritis is managed well with rituximab therapy, sulfasalazine, and hydroxychloroquine.