Abstract
Unusual findings were noted in a case of nodular rheumatoid pulmonary disease with roentgenographic evidence of cavitation. Biopsy specimen of the cavitated nodule was identical microscopically to the patient's typical subcutaneous rheumatoid nodule. Of further interest was the associated pleural effusion with low glucose concentration, high total lipid content, and extremely high lactic acid dehydrogenase level. To the best of the author's knowledge, chronic lipid effusion and elevated lactic acid dehydrogenase have not been previously reported in association with rheumatoid disease of the lung. The diagnostician must consider rheumatoid disease in the differential diagnosis of cavitary pulmonary lesions in the patient with associated rheumatoid disease. Adequate biopsy and microscopic confirmation of the process are still required for definite diagnosis.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
More From: JAMA: The Journal of the American Medical Association
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.