s1 May 1968Pulmonary Dysfunction in Rheumatoid Disease.S. T. Frank, M.D., J. G. Weg, M.D. (Associate), R. E. Walsh, M.D., L. E. Harkleroad, B.S., R. F. Fitch, M.D., F.A.C.P.S. T. Frank, M.D.Search for more papers by this author, J. G. Weg, M.D. (Associate)Search for more papers by this author, R. E. Walsh, M.D.Search for more papers by this author, L. E. Harkleroad, B.S.Search for more papers by this author, R. F. Fitch, M.D., F.A.C.P.Search for more papers by this authorAuthor, Article, and Disclosure Informationhttps://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-68-5-1194_2 SectionsAboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissions ShareFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail ExcerptForty-one consecutive patients with classical or definite rheumatoid arthritis were studied in an attempt to determine the prevalence of pulmonary dysfunction in rheumatoid disease. Routine spirometry, lung volumes, and diffusion studies were performed on all patients. Arterial blood gas determinations were made on those with diffusion abnormalities, and an attempt was made to obtain histological correlation via percutaneous lung biopsy. Abnormal diffusion studies were noted in 17 patients (41.4%). Arterial hypoxemia was present in eight patients at rest and five desaturated with exercise. Chest roentgenograms were abnormal in eight (47%), and only six patients (39%) admitted to dyspnea on direct... This content is PDF only. To continue reading please click on the PDF icon. Author, Article, and Disclosure InformationAffiliations: Lackland Air Force Base, Texas PreviousarticleNextarticle Advertisement FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Metrics Cited byInterstitial Rheumatoid Lung Disease 1 May 1968Volume 68, Issue 5Page: 1194-1195KeywordsArterial blood gasBiopsyDyspneaExerciseHypoxiaLungsPulmonary diseasesRheumatoid arthritisSpirometryThorax Issue Published: 1 May 1968 PDF downloadLoading ...