Obliterative bronchiolitis in rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

Two patients with rheumatoid arthritis who developed obliterative bronchiolitis are described. Both patients had received penicillamine. The first patient died in respiratory failure 4 months after the onset of her breathlessness and the diagnosis was confirmed at post-mortem. The second patient was diagnosed with appropriate lung function tests and has been started on azathioprine. Although she is still disabled by breathlessness 12 months after presentation, her condition has stabilised.