Clinical Features of Caplan's Syndrome

 

Clinical features:

(1) coal miner or other occupational coal dust exposure

(2) presence of pulmonary disease consistent with pneumoconiosis

(3) presence of rheumatoid arthritis

(4) presence of multiple pulmonary parenchymal nodules that may appear suddenly and grow rapidly

 

The pulmonary nodules:

(1) usually occur in the upper lobes

(2) measure from 1 to 5 cm in diameter

(2) are necrobiotic granulomas that may cavitate.

 

Differential diagnosis:

(1) primary or metastatic carcinoma involving the lungs

(2) tuberculosis or deep fungal infection