Pulmonary Arthritis - Extra-articular (elsewhere) Arthritis
Arthritis which is occurring at Extra Articular i.e. not at joints is known as pulmonary arthritis.The lungs may become involved as a part of the primary disease process or as a consequence of therapy. The intake of Methotrexate may lead to Fibrosis. Caplan’s nodules are found as are pulmonary effusions. Renal Amyloidosis can occur. Cardiovascular Pericarditis, endocarditis, left ventricular failure, valvulitis and fibrosis, Ocular Keratoconjunctivitissicca (dry eyes), scleritis, episcleritis and scleromalacia are other signs.
Neurological
Peripheral neuropathy and mononeuritis multiplex may occur. The most common problem is carpal tunnel syndrome due to compression of the median nerve by swelling around the wrist. Atlanto-axial subluxation can occur, owing to erosion of the odontoid process and or/transverse ligaments in the cervical spine’s connection to the skull. Such an erosion (>3mm) can give rise to vertebrae slipping over one another and compressing the spinal cord. At first the patient experiences clumsiness but without due care this can progress to quadriplegia.
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