Abstract

SUMMARY 1.Rheumatoid pleuritis with effusion may occur in the course of rheumatoid disease without radiographic evidence of lung involvement. 2.Unusual characteristics of the pleural fluid in rheumatoid disease have been discussed with particular reference to low glucose level, cosinophilia, and elevated lactic acid dehydrogenase level. 3.Needle biopsy of the parietal pleura is strongly recommended for confirming the suspected diagnosis of rheumatoid pleuritis and for ruling out other causes of pleural effusion. Repeat biopsies are indicated when the initial attempt is nondiagnostic. 4.The occurrence of rheumatoid pleural effusion has no prognostic significance for the subsequent course of arthritis. 5.Specific treatment for rheumatoid pleural effusion is not presently available nor indicated except thoracentesis for comfort.

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