The problem of empyematous pleural effusion in rheumatoid arthritis: report of two cases and review of the literature.

Two patients with rheumatoid arthritis and empyematous pleural effusion were treated with repeated drainage and intrapleural corticosteroids. One patient with active joint disease improved within 3 months without sequelae, probably because of the systemic therapy. The other patient, with non-active joint disease, had persistent pleural effusion which resulted in pleural thickening and symptomatic restrictive disturbance. It appears that early intervention intended to prevent the accumulation of empyematous pleural effusion could also prevent pleural thickening and fibrosis. Therapeutic options are discussed.