[Interstitial lung fibrosis in rheumatoid arthritis--comparison of lung function and bronchoalveolar lavage].

In fibrosing alveolitides that are associated with rheumatoid arthritides, the BAL fluid reveals a characteristic cell pattern. These cellular changes occur at an earlier date than do the radiological signs of pulmonary fibrosis. Together with a measurement of the CO diffusion capacity, BAL is a suitable monitoring parameter for fibrosing alveolitides in rheumatoid arthritis.