Caplans syndrome (patient information)
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief:
Overview
What are the signs and symptoms of Caplan Syndrome
Caplan syndrome is commonly found in coal miners with rheumatoid arthritis.
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Painful joints
- Morning stiffness
- Tender, swollen metacarpophalangeal joints and proximal interphalangeal joints
- Rheumatoid nodules
- Wheeze and crackles in lung auscultation
Who is at Highest Risk?
1. Miners with pneumoconiosis and Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Diagnosis
1. Chest X ray showing rheumatoid nodules in lungs which are seen as rounded opacities of 0.5-5 cm resembling cavitating lesions or tuberculosis.
2. Pleural effusion may present.
3. Pulmonary function test shows mixed restrictive and obstructive features, total loss of lung volumes, decreased capacity for diffusion of carbon monoxide.
4. Rheumatoid factor, antinuclear antibodies might be present in serum study.
Treatment Options
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