Broncho-pleural fistula complicating rheumatoid lung disease.

Introduction The pleuro-pulmonary changes associated with rheumatoid arthritis are well known. A rare and more specific lesion is the subpleural or intraparenchymal rheumatoid nodule. The pulmonary nodules usually occur in patients with severe disease with subcutaneous nodules and high titres of rheumatoid factor. They may cavitate, and spontaneous pneumothorax may occur (Hindle and Yates, 1965; Portner and Gracie, 1966; Rubin, Gordon and Thelmo, 1967). This report documents a further interesting case.