Crackles may be heard when listening to the lungs with a stethoscope (auscultation). Alternatively, there may be decreased breath sounds, a "rub," or normal breath sounds.
- A chest X-ray may show abnormalities consistent with rheumatoid lung disease.
- A CT scan of the chest may show abnormalities consistent with rheumatoid lung disease.
- An echocardiogram may show pulmonary hypertension.
- A thoracentesis (putting a needle into fluid around the lung) may show characteristics of rheumatoid lung disease.
- A bronchoscopic, video-assisted, or open lung biopsy may show findings consistent with rheumatoid lung disease.
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