Unusual presentation of rheumatoid arthritis as bilateral pleural effusion and asymmetrical arthropathy

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of the most frequent chronic autoimmune diseases affecting the joints and the appendicular skeletal system. RA can present with multiple presentations and pulmonary involvement also can occur in RA. Inflammatory pleural effusions are uncommon in RA individuals, occurring in roughly 2–5% of cases. Here, we report a case where the patient came with pleural effusion on both sides and asymmetrical arthritis with a background of cervical radiculopathy due to an injury that occurred at school age. Further examination of the individual and the pleural fluid revealed that it was compatible with pleural effusion caused by RA. The joints on the weak side were devoid of all intense features of RA. Oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications and disease-modifying anti-rheumatic medicines worked effectively for the patient.