What Causes Rheumatoid Arthritis And Lesions On Liver In A Young Adult?

Posted on Fri, 18 Mar 2016

Question: Yes, Hello Dr. Rynne, My son XXXXXXX is 31 years old, he's 6'3" and weighs 215lbs. He works as a Pastry Chef here in XXXXXXX MO and his job is physically very demanding. A few months ago, he came down with what appeared to be a nasty cough with lots of wheezing. Most recently, he started feeling general weakness and got tired easily. He went to see his doctor in Rolla, MO and found out his left lung had collapsed. His primary physician sent him to a pulmonary specialist here at the University Of Missouri Hospitals and Clinics in XXXXXXX MO where we both live. After a couple rounds of tests, they have found evidence from his blood work that he has Auto Immune Disease in the form of Rheumatoid Arthritis. He has not had any sore joints or symptoms that most people would associate with R.A. or Osteoarthritis. They also found that he has lesions (excuse the spelling) on his liver and spleen and they are planning to put him on steroids that they said would clear that up. They also plan to reinflate the collapsed lobes associated with his left lung. Is this a pretty rare condition for a relatively young guy?

Answered by Dr. Suresh Heijebu (10 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Rheumatoid arthritis can affect young adults

Detailed Answer:
Hello, Sir.

I can certainly understand your concerns.

Rheumatoid arthritis can present widely in middle ages groups as early as early 30's

This is not an uncommon disorder as perceived.

Steroids are the right medications to control this disease.

Early intervention can largely have a good outcome.

Joint symptoms may not present initially, but may latter manifest.

Post your further queries if any.
Thank you

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar