The problem of empyematous pleural effusion in rheumatoid arthritis: Report of two cases and review of the literature

M. Yigla, C. Simsolo, L. Goralnik, A. Balabir-German, A. Menahem Nahir

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

12 Scopus citations

Abstract

Two patients with rheumatoid arthritis and empyematous pleural effusion were treated with repeated drainage and intrapleural corticosteroids. One patient with active joint disease improved within 3 months without sequelae, probably because of the systemic therapy. The other patient, with non-active joint disease, had persistent pleural effusion which resulted in pleural thickening and symptomatic restrictive disturbance. It appears that early intervention intended to prevent the accumulation of empyematous pleural effusion could also prevent pleural thickening and fibrosis. Therapeutic options are discussed.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)180-183
Number of pages4
JournalClinical Rheumatology
Volume21
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2002
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Pleural effusion
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Sterile empyema

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