TITLE:
A seropositive nodular rheumatoid polyarthritis without arthritis, does it exist?
AUTHORS:
Ben Fredj Ismail Fatma, Rezgui Amel, Karmani Monia, Ben Abdallah Olfa, Azzebi Samira, Laouani Kechrid Chedia
KEYWORDS:
Rheumatoid Polyarthritis; Rheumatoid nodules; Seropositive; Tenosynovitis
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Internal Medicine,
Vol.3 No.2,
June
10,
2013
ABSTRACT: Introduction:
The rheumatoid polyarthritis is the most frequent chronic
polyarthritis. It affects essentially woman between 40 and 60 years old.
Rheumatic subcutaneous nodules and tenosynovitis are usually associated
with seropositive symptomatic rheumatoid polyarthritis. However, it is rare
that they constitute the essential clinical expression of the disease. Case report: A 60-year-old woman was hospitalized for tumefaction of the dorsal face
of the right hand evolved two months before.
The clinical examination was found isolated subcutaneous nodules. The
anatomopathological exam of one nodule ended in its rheumatoid origin and
the MRI of a second one confirmed a tenosynovitis. Anti-CCP antibodies were positive. The patient has
never suffered from arthralgias. The evolution was favourable under
corticosteroid therapy, methotrexate and
colchicine. Discussion: Rheumatic subcutaneous nodules and
tenosynovitis are usually associated with
seropositive symptomatic rheumatoid polyarthritis. It is rare that they constitute the essential clinical
expression of the disease. Conclusion: The extra-articular appearances of the rheumatoid
polyarthritis must not be underestimated especially since they can constitute—even
rarely—the essential clinical expression of the disease.