Caplan syndrome

Caplan syndrome was originally described in coal miners with progressive massive fibrosis.

If coal worker's pneumoconiosis occurs with rheumatoid arthritis, it is called Caplan syndrome.

Caplan syndrome occurs only in patients with both RA and pneumoconiosis related to mining dust (coal, asbestos, silica).

Caplan syndrome presents with cough and shortness of breath in conjunction with features of rheumatoid arthritis such painful joints and morning stiffness.

Caplan syndrome is a nodular condition of the lung occurring in dust-exposed persons with either a history of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or who subsequently develop RA within the following 5-10 years.