skip to main content

Rheumatoid arthritis lung disease — SCE Rheumatology MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

HardInflammatory ArthritisRheumatoid arthritis lung diseaseSCE Rheumatology

A former coal miner with seropositive rheumatoid arthritis develops multiple rounded peripheral lung nodules on a background of upper-lobe pneumoconiosis. Cultures are negative. What is the diagnosis?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C — Caplan syndrome, or rheumatoid pneumoconiosis

Caplan syndrome is the association of rheumatoid arthritis with pneumoconiosis and characteristic multiple rounded pulmonary nodules. Occupational exposure and infection or malignancy still require careful assessment.

Reference: UK Industrial Injuries Advisory Council: silica exposure and connective-tissue disease (Current UK government position paper, accessed 30 July 2026): https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/717051/occupational-exposure-to-crystalline-silica-and-its-relation-to-connective-tissue-diseases-iiac-position-paper-42.pdf; Health and Safety Executive: pneumoconiosis (Current HSE guidance, accessed 30 July 2026): https://www.hse.gov.uk/lung-disease/pneumoconiosis.htm