Rheumatology International

, Volume 25, Issue 5, pp 391–393 | Cite as

Bronchiolitis obliterans with organizing pneumonia in rheumatoid arthritis—a fatal case and short review of literature

  • Prashant Kaushik
  • E. Shannon Cooper
  • Venkat R. Banda
  • S. Raju Vatsavai
  • Richa Kaushik
Case Report
First Online:
Received:
Accepted:

Abstract

Bronchiolitis obliterans with organizing pneumonia (BOOP) is characterized by excessive proliferation of granulation tissue within small airways (proliferative bronchiolitis) and alveolar ducts associated with chronic inflammation in the surrounding alveoli. It is generally idiopathic but may occur during the resolution of viral or mycoplasmic pneumonia. It is also associated with a variety of systemic illnesses and clinical settings. Complete resolution occurs in 65–85% of patients treated with corticosteroid therapy, and recurrence is not uncommon. Although rapidly fatal BOOP is rare, respiratory failure leading to death may occur in up to 5% of patients. We describe a fatal case of BOOP suspicious for pneumonia in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis.

Keywords

Bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia Cyclophosphamide Prednisone Rheumatoid arthritis 
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Copyright information

© Springer-Verlag 2004

Authors and Affiliations

  • Prashant Kaushik
    • 1
  • E. Shannon Cooper
    • 1
  • Venkat R. Banda
    • 1
  • S. Raju Vatsavai
    • 1
  • Richa Kaushik
    • 1
  1. 1.Hospital Medicine GroupBaton Rouge General Medical CenterBaton RougeUSA

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