Computed tomography findings of Caplan syndrome.
We report a case of Caplan syndrome complicated with tuberculosis, which was clinically followed up for 18 years and underwent autopsy. Initial chest radiograph showed 2 large nodules against the background of smaller pneumoconiotic nodules. One of the large nodules showed cavitation during follow-up. Computed tomography (CT) was helpful in identifying calcification in another large nodule. Autopsy confirmed the 2 large nodules as burned-out rheumatoid nodules and revealed additional rheumatoid nodules that were indistinguishable from silicotic nodules by CT.
D002205:Caplan Syndrome / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012218:Rheumatoid Nodule / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D013997:Time Factors; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014397:Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology