| Definition
of Caplan's syndrome
Inflammation and scarring of the lungs in people with rheumatoid arthritis who have
exposure to coal dust.
Alternative names for Caplan's
syndrome
Rheumatoid pneumoconiosis
Causes of Caplan's syndrome
Inhalation of coal dust causes inflammation and scarring of the lung. Persons with rheumatoid arthritis
are more prone to develop larger areas of inflammation and scarring in response to coal
dust. Caplan's syndrome is very rare in the USA.
Prevention of Caplan's syndrome
People with rheumatoid
arthritis should avoid exposure to hazardous dust.
Symptoms of Caplan's syndrome
Signs and tests of Caplan's
syndrome
Your health care provider will take a detailed medical history that will include questions
about your occupations (past and present) and other possible sources of exposure to coal
dust. A physical exam, with special attention paid to the presence of joint and skin
disease, will be performed. Other tests that may aid in the diagnosis include:
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