# Unilateral intestinal lung disease misdiagnosed as rheumatoid lung disease. A case report of absent pulmonary artery

## TL;DR

A rare case of unilateral absent pulmonary artery was misdiagnosed as rheumatoid lung disease, highlighting the importance of thorough evaluation.

## Contribution

This case report highlights diagnostic challenges and emphasizes the need for comprehensive evaluation in unilateral interstitial lung disease.

## Key findings

- UAPA can present with unilateral pulmonary fibrosis and be misdiagnosed as RA-ILD.
- Comprehensive evaluation is crucial for accurate diagnosis of unilateral ILD.
- Clinical presentation and radiologic findings aid in distinguishing UAPA from rheumatoid lung disease.

## Abstract

Unilateral absence of pulmonary artery (UAPA) is a congenital clinical abnormality that is rarely diagnosed in adulthood. Due to its rarity and heterogeneity as it pertains to its clinical presentation, it may be difficult to diagnose, often leading to misdiagnosis. We present a case of UAPA with unilateral pulmonary fibrosis which was misdiagnosed as rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD). We describe the symptomology, physical examination findings, laboratory values and radiologic findings. We also describe the diagnostic challenges and approach to a patient presenting with unilateral interstitial lung disease (ILD) and highlight the importance of a comprehensive evaluation.