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Caplan syndrome
Rheumatoid pneumoconiosis
Caplan syndrome is swelling (inflammation) and scarring of the lungs. It occurs in people with rheumatoid arthritis who have breathed in mining dust that contains coal. This lung disease is also called coal worker's pneumoconiosis .
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a long-term disease. It leads to inflammation of the joints and surrounding tissues. It can also affect other organs....
Coal worker's pneumoconiosis
Coal worker's pneumoconiosis is a lung disease that results from breathing in dust from coal, graphite, or man-made carbon over a long time.
Causes
Caplan syndrome is caused by breathing in coal mining dust. This causes inflammation and can lead to the formation of many small lumps in the lungs and an airway disease similar to mild asthma.
Some people who have been exposed to coal dust have severe lung scarring that makes it difficult for their lungs to carry oxygen to their bloodstream (called progressive massive fibrosis). People with rheumatoid arthritis do not seem more likely to have this complication.
Caplan syndrome is very rare in the United States.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Caplan syndrome are:
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Cough
Cough
Coughing is an important way to keep your throat and airways clear. But too much coughing may mean you have a disease or disorder. Some coughs are d...
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Joint swelling
and pain
Joint swelling
Joint swelling is the buildup of fluid in the soft tissue surrounding the joint.
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - Lumps under the skin (rheumatoid nodules)
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Shortness of breath
Shortness of breath
Breathing difficulty may involve:Difficult breathingUncomfortable breathingFeeling like you are not getting enough air
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Exams and Tests
Your health care provider will take a detailed medical history. It will include questions about your jobs (past and present) and other possible sources of exposure to mining dust. Your provider will also do a physical exam, paying special attention to any joint and skin disease.
Other tests can include:
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Chest x-ray
Chest x-ray
A chest x-ray is an x-ray of the chest, lungs, heart, large arteries, ribs, and diaphragm.
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CT scan of the chest
CT scan of the chest
A chest CT (computed tomography) scan is an imaging method that uses x-rays to create cross-sectional pictures of the chest and upper abdomen....
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Joint x-rays
Joint x-rays
This test is an x-ray of a knee, shoulder, hip, wrist, ankle, or other joint.
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Pulmonary function tests
Pulmonary function tests
Pulmonary function tests are a group of tests that measure breathing and how well the lungs are functioning.
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Rheumatoid factor
test and other blood tests
Rheumatoid factor
Rheumatoid factor (RF) is a blood test that measures the amount of the RF antibody in the blood.
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Treatment
There is no specific treatment for Caplan syndrome, other than treating any lung and joint disease.
Support Groups
Attending a support group with people who have the same disease or a similar disease can help you understand your condition better. It can also help you adjust to your treatment and lifestyle changes. Support groups take place online and in person. Ask your provider about a support group that might help you.
Outlook (Prognosis)
Caplan syndrome rarely causes serious breathing trouble or disability due to lung problems.
Possible Complications
These complications can occur from Caplan syndrome:
- Increased risk for tuberculosis
- Scarring in the lungs (progressive massive fibrosis)
- Side effects from medicines you take
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call for an appointment with your provider if you have symptoms of Caplan syndrome.
Prevention
People with rheumatoid arthritis should avoid exposure to coal dust.
References
Corte TJ, Du Bois RM, Wells AU. Connective tissue diseases. In: Broaddus VC, Mason RJ, Ernst JD, et al, eds. Murray and Nadel's Textbook of Respiratory Medicine . 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2015:chap 65.
Cowie RL, Becklake MR. Pneumoconioses. In: Broaddus VC, Mason RJ, Ernst JD, et al, eds. Murray and Nadel's Textbook of Respiratory Medicine . 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2015:chap 73.
Raghu G. Interstitial lung disease. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman's Cecil Medicine . 25th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2015:chap 92.
Tarlo SM. Occupational lung disease. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman's Cecil Medicine . 25th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2015:chap 93.
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Respiratory system - illustration
Air is breathed in through the nasal passageways, travels through the trachea and bronchi to the lungs.
Respiratory system
illustration
Review Date: 6/22/2015
Reviewed By: Denis Hadjiliadis, MD, MHS, Associate Professor of Medicine, Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
