MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Caplan’s syndrome

Skip navigation


Medical Encyclopedia
Other encyclopedia topics:	A-Ag Ah-Ap Aq-Az B-Bk Bl-Bz C-Cg Ch-Co Cp-Cz D-Di Dj-Dz E-Ep Eq-Ez F G H-Hf Hg-Hz I-In Io-Iz J K L-Ln Lo-Lz M-Mf Mg-Mz N O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q R S-Sh Si-Sp Sq-Sz T-Tn To-Tz U V W X Y Z 0-9

Caplan’s syndrome

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative names Definition Causes, incidence, and risk factors Symptoms Signs and tests	Treatment Support Groups Expectations (prognosis) Complications Calling your health care provider Prevention

Illustrations

Respiratory system

Alternative names Return to top

Rheumatoid pneumoconiosis

Definition Return to top

Caplan's syndrome is inflammation and scarring of the lungs in people with rheumatoid arthritis who have exposure to coal dust.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top

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.

Symptoms Return to top

cough
shortness of breath
nodules of the skin (rheumatoid nodules)
joint swelling and pain

Signs and tests Return to top

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:

Treatment Return to top

There is no specific treatment for Caplan's syndrome. It is important to treat the rheumatoid arthritis.

Support Groups Return to top

Attending support groups with other persons who have similar diseases may help you understand your disease and adjust to its treatment and other changes in your lifestyle.

Expectations (prognosis) Return to top

Coal worker's pneumoconiosis uncommonly causes significant breathing difficulty or disability. Persons with Caplan's syndrome may be at increased risk for tuberculosis (TB), and should be screened for exposure to TB.

Complications Return to top

side effects of medications
increased risk for tuberculosis
progressive massive fibrosis

Calling your health care provider Return to top

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms occur that are suggestive of Caplan's syndrome.

Prevention Return to top

People with rheumatoid arthritis should avoid exposure to hazardous dust.

Update Date: 10/28/2003

Updated by: Allen J. Blaivas, D.O., Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, University Hospital, Newark, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2002 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.