Noncardiac manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis in the thorax.

The noncardiac manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the thorax are complex and varied. The bony thorax, pleura, lung parenchyma, tracheobronchial tree, larynx, an upper airway can all be sites of disease. Drug therapy for RA can result in thoracic disease that is difficult to distinguish from the manifestations of RA itself. This article reviews the available literature pertinent to noncardiac thoracic manifestations of RA and focuses on clinical and radiographic presentations in order to provide an organized approach to patient care.