Accelerated cutaneous nodulosis during methotrexate therapy in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis

J Am Acad Dermatol. 1998 Aug;39(2 Pt 2):359-62. doi: 10.1016/s0190-9622(98)70390-1.

Abstract

Rheumatoid nodulosis is characterized by multiple small subcutaneous granulomatous nodules typically located on the elbows in approximately 20% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Accelerated rheumatoid nodulosis, especially involving the hands and feet, has recently been reported in patients receiving methotrexate therapy for rheumatoid arthritis. We describe a woman with seropositive, erosive rheumatoid arthritis who, on two occasions, developed nonperiarticular subcutaneous nodules and new heart murmurs during methotrexate therapy, while her arthritis remained under good control. The nodules resolved after methotrexate was discontinued and recurred after methotrexate was reintroduced. They again resolved after methotrexate was stopped and colchicine was added. Her DNA oligotyping was positive for HLA-DRB1*0401, a genetic risk factor associated with accelerated rheumatoid nodulosis. Cutaneous biopsy specimens revealed palisading granulomas and giant cells consistent with rheumatoid nodulosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antirheumatic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Antirheumatic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / drug therapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Methotrexate / adverse effects*
  • Methotrexate / therapeutic use
  • Middle Aged
  • Rheumatoid Nodule / chemically induced*
  • Rheumatoid Nodule / pathology
  • Skin Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Skin Diseases / pathology

Substances

  • Antirheumatic Agents
  • Methotrexate