Progression usually parallels arthritic complaints.
Pulmonary manifestations include pulmonary nodules, interstitial fibrosis, pleural effusions, bronchiectasis, bronchiolitis, pulmonary hypertension and rarely vasculitis.
Pleural effusions due to rheumatoid pleuritis often have high LDH >10000L/L low pH ,7.30, and low glucose, <60 mg/dL.