Round # 1

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• Back to Radiographic Findings

Diagnosis and Discussion

Correct Diagnosis: Cystic Rheumatoid Arthritis

Discussion:
Approximately 10% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis have the cystic form. Cystic RA is characterized by the presence of symmetric periarticular intraosseous cysts without conspicuous erosions, and is generally felt to have a more benign course than classic RA. Cysts are also seen in patients with rheumatoid nodulosis (RN), a rare condition characterized by rheumatoid nodules, rheumatoid factor positivity, and intermittent arthritis.

References:

1. Lycklamaa Nijeholt G, Gubler FM, Scholten RJ, Dinant HJ. Comparison of cystic rheumatoid arthritis and erosive rheumatoid arthritis. J Rheumatol 23(3):447-52, 1996.
2. Gubler FM, Maas M, Dijkstra PF, de Jongh HR. Cystic rheumatoid arthritis: description of a nonerosive form. Radiology 177(3):829-34, 1990.

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