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Abstract Introduction: Regarding to frequency of prevalence of (RA), Pulmonary involvement is a common and serious complication of rheumatoid arthritis this study was performed. Objectives: Determine the prevalence of pulmonary disease in onset of rheumatoid arthritis base on history, physical examination, radiographic and pulmonary function test. Material and Methods: 52 patients (43 women, 9 men) fulfilling the ACR (American college of Rheumatology) criteria for RA (Rheumatoid arthritis) were consecutively assessed in a cross sectional study. Detailed medical (including respiratory symptoms and the disease activity symptoms) and drug and occupational histories were obtained. All patients underwent a complete pulmonary and rheumatologic examination and conventional chest radiography. All patients underwent PFT that comprised spirometry and body plethsmography. Data were analyzed by SPSS software. Results: Their mean age was 45.8± 11.1 years (range: 21-78) and the duration of the disease was less than 6 months. Rheumatoid factor was positive in 76.9%. All patients were nonsmoker. Base on history: cough in 7.7%, dyspnea in 17.3% and wheezing in 1.9% was detected. Physical examination findings showed expiration wheezing (5.8%) and decreasing breath sound (1.9%), Chest X-ray was abnormal in 51/9% (Interstitial opacities 50% & Air-space densities 1.9%) PFT was abnormal in 30.8% (obstructive 15.4%, restrictive 9.6%, mixed pattern 5.8%). Conclusion: This study showed a high prevalence of lung involvement in beginning of rheumatoid arthritis, so we recommend to perform diagnostic investigation of pulmonary involvement (PFT, Chest X-ray, …) in beginning of RA.

Keywords: Arthritis Rheumatoid, Lung, Lung Function Test

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