Rheumatoid pneumoconiosis: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

P Rheumatoid pneumoconiosis (RP; also known as Caplan syndrome) is swelling (inflammation) and scarring of the lungs. It occurs in people with rheumatoid arthritis who have breathed in dust, such as from coal (coal worker's pneumoconiosis) or silica.

T Causes
P RP is caused by breathing in inorganic dust. This is dust that comes from grinding metals, minerals, or rock. After the dust enters the lungs, it causes inflammation. This can lead to the formation of many small lumps in the lungs and an airway disease similar to mild asthma.
P It is not clear how RP develops. There are two theories:
- When people breathe in inorganic dust, it affects their immune system and leads to rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system attacks healthy body tissue by mistake.
- When people who already have RA or are at high risk for it are exposed to mineral dust, they develop RP.

T Symptoms
P Symptoms of RP are:
- Cough
- Joint swelling and pain
- Lumps under the skin (rheumatoid nodules)
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing

T Exams and Tests
P Your health care provider will take a detailed medical history. It will include questions about your jobs (past and present) and other possible sources of exposure to inorganic dust. Your provider will also do a physical exam, paying special attention to any joint and skin disease.
P Other tests can include:
- Chest x-ray
- CT scan of the chest
- Joint x-rays
- Pulmonary function tests
- Rheumatoid factor test and other blood tests

T Treatment
P There is no specific treatment for RP, other than treating any lung and joint disease.

T Support Groups
P Attending a support group with people who have the same disease or a similar disease can help you understand your condition better. It can also help you adjust to your treatment and lifestyle changes. Support groups take place online and in person. Ask your provider about a support group that might help you.

T Outlook (Prognosis)
P RP rarely causes serious breathing trouble or disability due to lung problems.

T Possible Complications
P These complications can occur from RP:
- Increased risk for tuberculosis
- Scarring in the lungs (progressive massive fibrosis)
- Side effects from medicines you take

T When to Contact a Medical Professional
P Call for an appointment with your provider if you have symptoms of RP.
P Talk to your provider about getting the flu and pneumonia vaccines.
P If you've been diagnosed with RP, call your provider right away if you develop a cough, shortness of breath, fever, or other signs of a lung infection, especially if you think you have the flu. Since your lungs are already damaged, it's very important to have the infection treated promptly. This will prevent breathing problems from becoming severe, as well as further damage to your lungs.

T Prevention
P People with RA should avoid exposure to inorganic dust.

T Alternative Names
P RP; Caplan syndrome; Pneumoconiosis - rheumatoid; Silicosis - rheumatoid pneumoconiosis; Coal worker's pneumoconiosis - rheumatoid pneumoconiosis

T Images
- Respiratory system

T References
P Corte TJ, Du Bois RM, Wells AU. Connective tissue diseases. In: Broaddus VC, Mason RJ, Ernst JD, et al, eds. Murray and Nadel's Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 65.
P Cowie RL, Becklake MR. Pneumoconioses. In: Broaddus VC, Mason RJ, Ernst JD, et al, eds. Murray and Nadel's Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 73.
P Raghu G. Interstitial lung disease. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 25th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 92.
P Tarlo SM. Occupational lung disease. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 25th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 93.

T Review Date 5/21/2017
P Updated by: Denis Hadjiliadis, MD, MHS, Paul F. Harron, Jr. Associate Professor of Medicine, Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

