title: Laryngeal involvement in rheumatoid arthritis.
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.
authors.affiliation: Rheumatology Clinic, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece.
authors.forename: P V
authors.initials: PV
authors.lastname: Voulgari
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Papazisi
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bai
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Zagorianakou
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Assimakopoulos
authors.forename: A A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Drosos
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001193:Arytenoid Cartilage / Q000473:pathology; D003413:Cricoid Cartilage / Q000473:pathology; D016572:Cyclosporine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007555:Isoxazoles / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007596:Joints / Q000473:pathology; D007818:Laryngeal Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D000077339:Leflunomide; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011241:Prednisone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012218:Rheumatoid Nodule / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D007555:Isoxazoles; D016572:Cyclosporine; D000077339:Leflunomide; D011241:Prednisone; D008775:Methylprednisolone