Hemothorax Complicating Rheumatoid Arthritis
Author Information
Author(s): Mahesh Prakash, Ramanathan Subramaniyan Singh, Surjit Khandelwal, Niranjan
Primary Institution: Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
Hypothesis
What is the cause of hemothorax in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis?
Conclusion
Hemothorax is very uncommon in rheumatoid arthritis without predisposing factors, and secondary amyloidosis should be considered.
Supporting Evidence
- Pleural effusion is the most common chest manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis.
- Spontaneous hemothorax is an unusual complication of rheumatoid arthritis.
- Common causes of hemothorax include trauma, infections, coagulopathy, malignancy, and vascular abnormalities.
- Abdominal fat pad biopsy was positive for amyloid, which was assumed to be the cause of hemothorax.
Takeaway
A man with rheumatoid arthritis had a rare complication called hemothorax, which is when blood collects in the chest. Doctors found that it was caused by amyloidosis.
Methodology
The patient underwent ultrasound-guided thoracentesis and pleural fluid analysis, followed by chest tube placement for drainage.
Limitations
The exact incidence of hemothorax in rheumatoid arthritis is not well understood.
Participant Demographics
A 50-year-old man with a 7-year history of rheumatoid arthritis.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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