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Introduction. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) has many extra articular manifestations and lungs seem to be one of the most important sites, including interstitial lung disease (ILD). RA-associated ILD is reported in 1 to 58% of patients. Previous studies have described abnormal chest x-rays in 15% of cases, diffusion capacity of lungs for carbon monoxide (DLCO) alterations from 5 to 15% and lung high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) in 80% of patients. The main goal was to determine the frequency of pulmonary affection in recently diagnosed RA and classify by DLCO and HRCT. Secondly, we want to establish a relation between laboratory and clinical characteristics, activity, spirometry and DLCO. Material and Methods. This is a transversal and descriptive study including recently patients with recent RA diagnosis. Registered data include clinical, demographic, laboratory and disease activity data, along with hands and feet x-rays, HRCT, spirometry and DLCO. Results. 28 patients, 93% women, mean sickness duration of 1.8 years. DAS-28-CRP 2.8+ 1.11. The frequency of abnormal lung HRCT was 32% (n=8): 20% usual pattern and 12% subpleural nodules. No relation was found between DLCO, CCPA, RF, erosions and DAS-28. Tomographic abnormalities in ILD were not related to smoking, disease activity or antibodies. Discussion. This may be one of the first studies in Mexico to evaluate the frequency of early RA-associated ILD. Based on this data we suggest routine monitoring with lung HRCT in every patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]