To evaluate the progression of hepatic fibrosis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treated with methotrexate (MTX).
Fifteen patients receiving MTX for RA were prospectively studied by electron microscopic analysis of biopsy specimens.
Five of the 15 patients had evidence of increased hepatic collagen after 2 years of MTX therapy.
Hepatic fibrosis may progress in a subgroup of RA patients treated with MTX.