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Rheumatoid Arthritis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease Presenting With Raynaud's Phenomenon: A Case Report

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD) is a recognized extra-articular manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis. Pulmonary involvement may occasionally precede overt articular disease, creating diagnostic challenges. A patient presented with breathlessness for 2-3 months and joint pain of similar duration, along with bluish discoloration of the left middle finger, suggestive of Raynaud's phenomenon. Respiratory examination revealed bilateral inspiratory crepitations in the infrascapular and infra-axillary areas. Rheumatoid factor was positive, while antinuclear antibody was negative. High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of the thorax demonstrated microcystic honeycombing, basal subpleural fibrosis, and traction bronchiectasis, consistent with a usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) pattern. This case highlights ILD as a potential early manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis and emphasizes the importance of autoimmune evaluation in patients presenting with fibrotic ILD and systemic features such as Raynaud's phenomenon.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.107697

Authors: Prashant Ghule, Anil Sontakke, Saood Ali, Sagar Kolte, Somesh Mashalkar

Institution: NKP Salve Institute of Medical Sciences and Lata Mangeshkar Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Interstitial Lung Diseases and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W7155635548