Conjunctival nodule in rheumatoid arthritis.

Conjunctival nodule is very rarely seen in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Previously reported cases were associated with the use of methotrexate. Here, we report a conjunctival rheumatoid nodule without such prior treatment. A 49-year-old woman with seropositive rheumatoid arthritis, who was being treated only with oral steroids and hydroxychloroquine, developed diffuse anterior scleritis in the right eye. In addition, examination showed a focal raised yellow/tan conjunctival nodule. The nodule was within the bulbar conjunctiva with no attachments to the underlying tissue, which is different from nodular scleritis. The nodule was not tender on palpation. The patient underwent excisional biopsy of the nodule. Intraoperatively, the lesion was noted to be a firm nodule within substantia propria of the conjunctiva. Hematoxylin-eosin staining of the specimen revealed a central area of necrosis surrounded by palisades of histiocytes. Increased dosage of oral steroid after the biopsy resulted in resolution of the ocular symptoms and signs. In conclusion, rheumatoid nodules may be seen in the conjunctiva even without prior treatment with methotrexate. These nodules may show the severity of the underlying disease and the need for more aggressive treatment.

Intradural manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis causing spinal cord compression.

Rheumatoid arthritis as a cause of medullary compression due to subluxation of rheumatically diseased joints is very common. However, spinal cord compression by rheumatoid nodules is seen rarely, usually by extradural lesions. We describe two cases of intradural rheumatoid nodules causing spinal cord compression.

[Elbow joint]. / Ellbogengelenk.

The elbow joint is a key joint for positioning of the hand. Four operations have to be considered for the rheumatoid elbow: removal of rheumatoid nodules and bursectomy, resection of the radial head, synovectomy, and arthroplasty. Synovectomy and arthroplasty are carefully analyzed, both from the point of view of recent international literature as well as personal experience. Synovectomy of the elbow is highly effective even when performed relatively late (stage 3 according to Larsen-Dahle-Eek) insofar as pain relief and swelling are concerned. In long-term disease, deterioration as assessed by radiology can usually not be prevented, but clinical improvement may be the reason for the relatively rare indication for arthroplasty. According to recent literature, the results of elbow arthroplasty vary greatly. Fully constrained hinges should no longer be used, and no decision has been made so far on whether semiconstrained or nonconstrained surface replacement is preferred. We use the semiconstrained GSB Mark II prosthesis, which has provided results in nearly 50 cases that rank among the best reported from the point of view of pain relief, improvement of ROM, and low complication rate. Use of our so-called transtricipital approach to the elbow has proved particularly valuable, especially with regard to lack of extension and muscle strength.

Spinal cord compression by a rheumatoid nodule.

A case, believed to be unique, is reported of spinal cord compression due to an extradural rheumatoid nodule.