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A 51-year-old diabetic man presents with a 1-year history of episodic pain, swelling, and stiffness in some of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) and proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints of his fingers. During these episodes, he has significant morning stiffness. He says he has no other joint problems or back pain. A review of systems is otherwise unremarkable.
WHAT IS THE MOST LIKELY DIAGNOSIS?
- Gouty tophi
- Rheumatoid nodulosis
- Calcinosis cutis
- Tuberous xanthomas
GOUTY TOPHI: OUR INITIAL IMPRESSION
RHEUMATOID NODULOSIS: THE TRUE DIAGNOSIS
The patient’s nodules kept growing, and new ones kept developing, causing significant impairment of hand function. Hence, some of the larger nodules were surgically removed. The resected specimens revealed a yellow nodular cut surface on sectioning. Histopathologic analysis revealed multiple necrobiotic nodules, consistent with rheumatoid nodulosis. Urate crystals were not seen on histology, although crystals can be dissolved in some tissue preparations, and gouty tophi provoke pathologically a granulomatous inflammatory reaction. However, unlike what is expected with gouty tophi, material aspirated from the nodules did not reveal monosodium urate crystals on polarized light microscopy. A repeat rheumatoid factor test 2 years after his initial presentation became positive at 57 IU/ mL (normal < 20 IU/mL).
Comment. Rheumatoid nodules are one of the most common extra-articular manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis, seen in 20% to 25% of cases, and they are usually associated with seropositivity for rheumatoid factor and with more aggressive disease.1 Rheumatoid nodulosis, on the other hand, usually runs a more benign clinical course.2 It was first described in 1949,3 and the diagnostic criteria were developed in 1988 by Couret et al.4 Patients develop nontender subcutaneous rheumatoid nodules, usually around areas of repeated microtrauma.2 Often there is a history of attacks of palindromic rheumatism, characterized by recurrent, self-limited episodes of monoarthritis or polyarthritis without an alternative explanation, as in this patient. However, systemic manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis and radiologic evidence of joint damage are often not seen. Rheumatoid factor positivity is also not a requirement. Over time, some patients progress to full-blown rheumatoid arthritis. Methotrexate use has been associated with accelerated rheumatoid nodulosis in some rheumatoid arthritis patients.2
Rheumatoid nodulosis can be progressive and difficult to treat. Hydroxychloroquine has induced complete resolution in some cases.5 Surgical removal of the nodules may be considered if they limit joint motion.6 A placebo-controlled, double-blind trial of intralesional corticosteroid injection has demonstrated efficacy in reducing nodule size.7
In our patient, treatment with hydroxychloroquine, sulfasalazine, and methotrexate did not relieve the joint pain, nor did these drugs stop the nodules from growing. He was started on the tumor necrosis factor antagonist etanercept (Enbrel), which significantly helped the joint pain, but the nodules continued to progress relentlessly. Some of the larger nodules were later injected with triamcinolone (Kenalog), which led to significant shrinkage in nodule size.
THE OTHER DIAGNOSTIC CHOICES
The other two choices are unlikely.
Calcinosis cutis results from the cutaneous deposition of insoluble compounds of calcium (hydroxyapatite or amorphous calcium phosphate), due to local or systemic factors, or both. This can be the result either of ectopic calcification in normal tissue in the setting of hypercalcemia or hyperphosphatemia, or of dystrophic calcification in damaged tissue. They appear as multiple, firm, whitish dermal papules, plaques, nodules, or subcutaneous nodules, which can sometimes ulcerate. They are radio-opaque. On biopsy, dermal deposits of calcium are seen, with or without a surrounding foreign-body giant-cell reaction. Calcium deposition may be confirmed on Von Kossa and alizarin red stains.
Tuberous xanthomas are firm, painless, red-yellow nodules that usually develop in pressure areas such as the extensor surfaces of the knees, the elbows, and the buttocks. They can be associated with familial dysbetalipoproteinemia, familial hypercholesterolemia, and even some of the secondary dyslipidemias. Histologic study shows accumulations of vacuolated lipid-laden macrophages (foamy histiocytes) and sometimes multinucleated histiocytes (Touton giant cells). The lipid droplets are dissolved during routine histologic processing, but lipid stains on frozen sections can be useful.
- Ziff M. The rheumatoid nodule. Arthritis Rheum 1990; 33:761–767.
- Garcia-Patos V. Rheumatoid nodule. Semin Cutan Med Surg 2007; 26:100–107.
- Bywaters EGL. A variant of rheumatoid arthritis characterized by recurrent digital pad nodules and palmar fasciitis, closely resembling palindromic rheumatism. Ann Rheum Dis 1949; 8:2–30.
- Couret M, Combe B, Chuong VT, et al. Rheumatoid nodulosis: report of two new cases and discussion of diagnostic criteria. J Rheumatol 1988; 15:1427–1430.
- McCarty DJ. Complete reversal of rheumatoid nodulosis. J Rheumatol 1991; 18:736–737.
- Kai Y, Anzai S, Shibuya H, et al. A case of rheumatoid nodulosis successfully treated with surgery. J Dermatol 2004; 31:910–915.
- Ching DW, Petrie JP, Klemp P, Jones JG. Injection therapy of superficial rheumatoid nodules. Br J Rheumatol 1992; 31:775–777.
A 51-year-old diabetic man presents with a 1-year history of episodic pain, swelling, and stiffness in some of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) and proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints of his fingers. During these episodes, he has significant morning stiffness. He says he has no other joint problems or back pain. A review of systems is otherwise unremarkable.
WHAT IS THE MOST LIKELY DIAGNOSIS?
- Gouty tophi
- Rheumatoid nodulosis
- Calcinosis cutis
- Tuberous xanthomas
GOUTY TOPHI: OUR INITIAL IMPRESSION
RHEUMATOID NODULOSIS: THE TRUE DIAGNOSIS
The patient’s nodules kept growing, and new ones kept developing, causing significant impairment of hand function. Hence, some of the larger nodules were surgically removed. The resected specimens revealed a yellow nodular cut surface on sectioning. Histopathologic analysis revealed multiple necrobiotic nodules, consistent with rheumatoid nodulosis. Urate crystals were not seen on histology, although crystals can be dissolved in some tissue preparations, and gouty tophi provoke pathologically a granulomatous inflammatory reaction. However, unlike what is expected with gouty tophi, material aspirated from the nodules did not reveal monosodium urate crystals on polarized light microscopy. A repeat rheumatoid factor test 2 years after his initial presentation became positive at 57 IU/ mL (normal < 20 IU/mL).
Comment. Rheumatoid nodules are one of the most common extra-articular manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis, seen in 20% to 25% of cases, and they are usually associated with seropositivity for rheumatoid factor and with more aggressive disease.1 Rheumatoid nodulosis, on the other hand, usually runs a more benign clinical course.2 It was first described in 1949,3 and the diagnostic criteria were developed in 1988 by Couret et al.4 Patients develop nontender subcutaneous rheumatoid nodules, usually around areas of repeated microtrauma.2 Often there is a history of attacks of palindromic rheumatism, characterized by recurrent, self-limited episodes of monoarthritis or polyarthritis without an alternative explanation, as in this patient. However, systemic manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis and radiologic evidence of joint damage are often not seen. Rheumatoid factor positivity is also not a requirement. Over time, some patients progress to full-blown rheumatoid arthritis. Methotrexate use has been associated with accelerated rheumatoid nodulosis in some rheumatoid arthritis patients.2
Rheumatoid nodulosis can be progressive and difficult to treat. Hydroxychloroquine has induced complete resolution in some cases.5 Surgical removal of the nodules may be considered if they limit joint motion.6 A placebo-controlled, double-blind trial of intralesional corticosteroid injection has demonstrated efficacy in reducing nodule size.7
In our patient, treatment with hydroxychloroquine, sulfasalazine, and methotrexate did not relieve the joint pain, nor did these drugs stop the nodules from growing. He was started on the tumor necrosis factor antagonist etanercept (Enbrel), which significantly helped the joint pain, but the nodules continued to progress relentlessly. Some of the larger nodules were later injected with triamcinolone (Kenalog), which led to significant shrinkage in nodule size.
THE OTHER DIAGNOSTIC CHOICES
The other two choices are unlikely.
Calcinosis cutis results from the cutaneous deposition of insoluble compounds of calcium (hydroxyapatite or amorphous calcium phosphate), due to local or systemic factors, or both. This can be the result either of ectopic calcification in normal tissue in the setting of hypercalcemia or hyperphosphatemia, or of dystrophic calcification in damaged tissue. They appear as multiple, firm, whitish dermal papules, plaques, nodules, or subcutaneous nodules, which can sometimes ulcerate. They are radio-opaque. On biopsy, dermal deposits of calcium are seen, with or without a surrounding foreign-body giant-cell reaction. Calcium deposition may be confirmed on Von Kossa and alizarin red stains.
Tuberous xanthomas are firm, painless, red-yellow nodules that usually develop in pressure areas such as the extensor surfaces of the knees, the elbows, and the buttocks. They can be associated with familial dysbetalipoproteinemia, familial hypercholesterolemia, and even some of the secondary dyslipidemias. Histologic study shows accumulations of vacuolated lipid-laden macrophages (foamy histiocytes) and sometimes multinucleated histiocytes (Touton giant cells). The lipid droplets are dissolved during routine histologic processing, but lipid stains on frozen sections can be useful.
A 51-year-old diabetic man presents with a 1-year history of episodic pain, swelling, and stiffness in some of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) and proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints of his fingers. During these episodes, he has significant morning stiffness. He says he has no other joint problems or back pain. A review of systems is otherwise unremarkable.
WHAT IS THE MOST LIKELY DIAGNOSIS?
- Gouty tophi
- Rheumatoid nodulosis
- Calcinosis cutis
- Tuberous xanthomas
GOUTY TOPHI: OUR INITIAL IMPRESSION
RHEUMATOID NODULOSIS: THE TRUE DIAGNOSIS
The patient’s nodules kept growing, and new ones kept developing, causing significant impairment of hand function. Hence, some of the larger nodules were surgically removed. The resected specimens revealed a yellow nodular cut surface on sectioning. Histopathologic analysis revealed multiple necrobiotic nodules, consistent with rheumatoid nodulosis. Urate crystals were not seen on histology, although crystals can be dissolved in some tissue preparations, and gouty tophi provoke pathologically a granulomatous inflammatory reaction. However, unlike what is expected with gouty tophi, material aspirated from the nodules did not reveal monosodium urate crystals on polarized light microscopy. A repeat rheumatoid factor test 2 years after his initial presentation became positive at 57 IU/ mL (normal < 20 IU/mL).
Comment. Rheumatoid nodules are one of the most common extra-articular manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis, seen in 20% to 25% of cases, and they are usually associated with seropositivity for rheumatoid factor and with more aggressive disease.1 Rheumatoid nodulosis, on the other hand, usually runs a more benign clinical course.2 It was first described in 1949,3 and the diagnostic criteria were developed in 1988 by Couret et al.4 Patients develop nontender subcutaneous rheumatoid nodules, usually around areas of repeated microtrauma.2 Often there is a history of attacks of palindromic rheumatism, characterized by recurrent, self-limited episodes of monoarthritis or polyarthritis without an alternative explanation, as in this patient. However, systemic manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis and radiologic evidence of joint damage are often not seen. Rheumatoid factor positivity is also not a requirement. Over time, some patients progress to full-blown rheumatoid arthritis. Methotrexate use has been associated with accelerated rheumatoid nodulosis in some rheumatoid arthritis patients.2
Rheumatoid nodulosis can be progressive and difficult to treat. Hydroxychloroquine has induced complete resolution in some cases.5 Surgical removal of the nodules may be considered if they limit joint motion.6 A placebo-controlled, double-blind trial of intralesional corticosteroid injection has demonstrated efficacy in reducing nodule size.7
In our patient, treatment with hydroxychloroquine, sulfasalazine, and methotrexate did not relieve the joint pain, nor did these drugs stop the nodules from growing. He was started on the tumor necrosis factor antagonist etanercept (Enbrel), which significantly helped the joint pain, but the nodules continued to progress relentlessly. Some of the larger nodules were later injected with triamcinolone (Kenalog), which led to significant shrinkage in nodule size.
THE OTHER DIAGNOSTIC CHOICES
The other two choices are unlikely.
Calcinosis cutis results from the cutaneous deposition of insoluble compounds of calcium (hydroxyapatite or amorphous calcium phosphate), due to local or systemic factors, or both. This can be the result either of ectopic calcification in normal tissue in the setting of hypercalcemia or hyperphosphatemia, or of dystrophic calcification in damaged tissue. They appear as multiple, firm, whitish dermal papules, plaques, nodules, or subcutaneous nodules, which can sometimes ulcerate. They are radio-opaque. On biopsy, dermal deposits of calcium are seen, with or without a surrounding foreign-body giant-cell reaction. Calcium deposition may be confirmed on Von Kossa and alizarin red stains.
Tuberous xanthomas are firm, painless, red-yellow nodules that usually develop in pressure areas such as the extensor surfaces of the knees, the elbows, and the buttocks. They can be associated with familial dysbetalipoproteinemia, familial hypercholesterolemia, and even some of the secondary dyslipidemias. Histologic study shows accumulations of vacuolated lipid-laden macrophages (foamy histiocytes) and sometimes multinucleated histiocytes (Touton giant cells). The lipid droplets are dissolved during routine histologic processing, but lipid stains on frozen sections can be useful.
- Ziff M. The rheumatoid nodule. Arthritis Rheum 1990; 33:761–767.
- Garcia-Patos V. Rheumatoid nodule. Semin Cutan Med Surg 2007; 26:100–107.
- Bywaters EGL. A variant of rheumatoid arthritis characterized by recurrent digital pad nodules and palmar fasciitis, closely resembling palindromic rheumatism. Ann Rheum Dis 1949; 8:2–30.
- Couret M, Combe B, Chuong VT, et al. Rheumatoid nodulosis: report of two new cases and discussion of diagnostic criteria. J Rheumatol 1988; 15:1427–1430.
- McCarty DJ. Complete reversal of rheumatoid nodulosis. J Rheumatol 1991; 18:736–737.
- Kai Y, Anzai S, Shibuya H, et al. A case of rheumatoid nodulosis successfully treated with surgery. J Dermatol 2004; 31:910–915.
- Ching DW, Petrie JP, Klemp P, Jones JG. Injection therapy of superficial rheumatoid nodules. Br J Rheumatol 1992; 31:775–777.
- Ziff M. The rheumatoid nodule. Arthritis Rheum 1990; 33:761–767.
- Garcia-Patos V. Rheumatoid nodule. Semin Cutan Med Surg 2007; 26:100–107.
- Bywaters EGL. A variant of rheumatoid arthritis characterized by recurrent digital pad nodules and palmar fasciitis, closely resembling palindromic rheumatism. Ann Rheum Dis 1949; 8:2–30.
- Couret M, Combe B, Chuong VT, et al. Rheumatoid nodulosis: report of two new cases and discussion of diagnostic criteria. J Rheumatol 1988; 15:1427–1430.
- McCarty DJ. Complete reversal of rheumatoid nodulosis. J Rheumatol 1991; 18:736–737.
- Kai Y, Anzai S, Shibuya H, et al. A case of rheumatoid nodulosis successfully treated with surgery. J Dermatol 2004; 31:910–915.
- Ching DW, Petrie JP, Klemp P, Jones JG. Injection therapy of superficial rheumatoid nodules. Br J Rheumatol 1992; 31:775–777.