Rheumatology
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Methotrexate has a well-recognized side-effect of acute hypersensitivity pneumonitis. There is concern about whether chronic pulmonary toxicity can occur with methotrexate treatment. Our objective was to compare chest high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) findings and serial pulmonary function tests in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients on methotrexate with findings for a control group of patients with RA who were not being treated with methotrexate. ⋯ There is no evidence to suggest clinically, from HRCT assessment or serial pulmonary function tests, that low-dose methotrexate is associated with chronic interstitial lung disease.