• Chest. 2014 Mar 1;145(3 Suppl):232A.

Session TitleILD Case Report Posters ISESSION TYPE: Case Report PosterPRESENTED ON: Sunday, March 23, 2014 at 01:15 PM - 02:15 PMPURPOSE: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is commonly associated with serositis, including pleural effusions. This case demonstrates the benefit of using rituximab (RTX) in the treatment of this condition.MethodsA 50 year old female non smoker with long standing RA on immunosuppression was investigated for bilateral pleural effusions unresponsive to empiric TB treatment. She subsequently developed a pericardial effusion resulting in tamponade and required surgical intervention. Histology of pleural and pericardial biopsies on VATS was consistent with serositis.ResultsShe was treated with rituximab and improved dramatically.ConclusionsRituximab (RTX) is a chimeric monoclonal antibody with activity against CD20 expressed by B cells. Keir et al showed an improvement in outcomes with use of RTX as rescue therapy in patients with advanced pulmonary disease related to CTD . This is the first recorded case of life-threatening rheumatoid-related serositis responsive to RTX.Clinical ImplicationsIn cases of RA-related pleural or pericardial effusions and ILD, consideration should be given to treatment with RTX.DisclosureThe following authors have nothing to disclose: Deirdre Fitzgerald, Michael HenryNo Product/Research Disclosure Information.

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