CT appearances of rheumatoid lung disease.

The plain radiography and CT of four patients with rheumatoid lung disease are reviewed. One patient had histologically confirmed rheumatoid nodules. The subpleural location of the nodules and cavitation were more easily diagnosed using CT. Also on CT the nodules were commonly seen in clusters, a finding not previously reported and not visible on plain films. In three patients honeycombing was visible on both plain radiography and CT. However, the areas of cystic destruction visible on CT were larger than those appreciated on the plain films.