Screening for Preclinical Parenchymal Lung Disease in Rheumatoid Arthritis.

We identified a high prevalence of undiagnosed preclinical parenchymal lung disease in RA driven primarily by isolated emphysema, suggesting that it may be a prevalent and previously unrecognized pulmonary manifestation of RA, even amongst never smokers. As clinical, laboratory, and functional evaluations did not adequately identify preclinical parenchymal abnormalities, HRCT may be the most effective screening modality currently available for patients with RA.