Conjunctival nodule in rheumatoid arthritis. 2012

Ahmad Kheirkhah, and Fahimeh Asadi Amoli, and Amir A Azari, and Saber Molaei, and Mehdi Roozbahani
Farabi Eye Hospital, Eye Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin Square, South Kargar Street, Tehran, Iran. Akheirkh@yahoo.com

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.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D008875 Middle Aged An adult aged 45 - 64 years. Middle Age
D003228 Conjunctiva The mucous membrane that covers the posterior surface of the eyelids and the anterior pericorneal surface of the eyeball. Bulbar Conjunctiva,Palpebral Conjunctiva,Plica Semilunaris of Conjunctiva,Plicae Semilunares of Conjunctiva,Tunica Conjunctiva,Conjunctiva, Bulbar,Conjunctiva, Palpebral,Conjunctivas
D003229 Conjunctival Diseases Diseases involving the CONJUNCTIVA. Conjunctival Disease,Disease, Conjunctival,Diseases, Conjunctival
D003937 Diagnosis, Differential Determination of which one of two or more diseases or conditions a patient is suffering from by systematically comparing and contrasting results of diagnostic measures. Diagnoses, Differential,Differential Diagnoses,Differential Diagnosis
D004305 Dose-Response Relationship, Drug The relationship between the dose of an administered drug and the response of the organism to the drug. Dose Response Relationship, Drug,Dose-Response Relationships, Drug,Drug Dose-Response Relationship,Drug Dose-Response Relationships,Relationship, Drug Dose-Response,Relationships, Drug Dose-Response
D005260 Female Females
D005500 Follow-Up Studies Studies in which individuals or populations are followed to assess the outcome of exposures, procedures, or effects of a characteristic, e.g., occurrence of disease. Followup Studies,Follow Up Studies,Follow-Up Study,Followup Study,Studies, Follow-Up,Studies, Followup,Study, Follow-Up,Study, Followup
D005938 Glucocorticoids A group of CORTICOSTEROIDS that affect carbohydrate metabolism (GLUCONEOGENESIS, liver glycogen deposition, elevation of BLOOD SUGAR), inhibit ADRENOCORTICOTROPIC HORMONE secretion, and possess pronounced anti-inflammatory activity. They also play a role in fat and protein metabolism, maintenance of arterial blood pressure, alteration of the connective tissue response to injury, reduction in the number of circulating lymphocytes, and functioning of the central nervous system. Glucocorticoid,Glucocorticoid Effect,Glucorticoid Effects,Effect, Glucocorticoid,Effects, Glucorticoid
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000284 Administration, Oral The giving of drugs, chemicals, or other substances by mouth. Drug Administration, Oral,Administration, Oral Drug,Oral Administration,Oral Drug Administration,Administrations, Oral,Administrations, Oral Drug,Drug Administrations, Oral,Oral Administrations,Oral Drug Administrations

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