Rheumatoid Pleuropulmonary Disease Mimicking Refractory Empyema: A Diagnostic Challenge With Trapped Lung. (PubMed, Cureus) - Sep 16, 2026 - "Because the lung remained trapped by a fibrous peel, staged thoracotomy with decortication and parietal pleurectomy was performed, and immunosuppression was escalated from leflunomide to rituximab. This case illustrates that in a patient with established RA, an exudative, culture-negative, purulent-appearing pleural effusion should raise suspicion of rheumatoid pleuritis before empyema. Early recognition, alongside continued exclusion of infection, may reduce diagnostic delay and the need for extensive thoracic surgery."
Journal • Immunology • Infectious Disease • Inflammatory Arthritis • Interstitial Lung Disease • Pneumonia • Pulmonary Disease • Respiratory Diseases • Rheumatoid Arthritis • Rheumatology
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Diya Asad; Jehad Azar; Mohamed Ibraheem; Mohammad Jundy; Nagham Joudeh
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