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Laryngeal involvement in rheumatoid arthritis

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Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the synovial membrane, which causes joint damage and bone destruction. Extra-articular manifestations are numerous, involving multiple organ systems. Rheumatoid nodules are common extra-articular findings occurring in 20% RA patients. They develop most commonly in pressure areas (elbows and finger joints) and may occasionally affect internal organs including pleura, lungs, meninges, larynx, and others. Furthermore, RA affects the ear, nose, and throat, causing various otorhinolaryngological symptoms. In this report we describe two patients with RA and laryngeal involvement, mostly rheumatoid nodule formation, with a review of the literature.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Rheumatology Clinic, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Ioannina, 45110, Ioannina, Greece

    P. V. Voulgari, D. Papazisi & A. A. Drosos

  2. Department of Pathology, Medical School, University of Ioannina, 45110, Ioannina, Greece

    M. Bai & P. Zagorianakou

  3. Department of Otolaryngology, Medical School, University of Ioannina, 45110, Ioannina, Greece

    D. Assimakopoulos

Authors
  1. P. V. Voulgari
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  2. D. Papazisi
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  3. M. Bai
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  4. P. Zagorianakou
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  5. D. Assimakopoulos
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  6. A. A. Drosos
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Correspondence to A. A. Drosos.

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Voulgari, P.V., Papazisi, D., Bai, M. et al. Laryngeal involvement in rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatol Int 25, 321–325 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00296-005-0594-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00296-005-0594-x

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