title: Fibroblastic rheumatism: case report and review of the literature.
abstract: A previously healthy 7-year-old boy presented with polyarthritis and skin lesions. Multiple, skin- to pink-colored, firm papules were noted on the periungual areas, hands, feet, and nose. There was swelling of the proximal interphalangeal joints, wrists, elbows, ankles, and knees. A skin biopsy specimen revealed dermal fibrosis and interspersed histiocytes and lymphocytes. These findings were consistent with fibroblastic rheumatism, a condition characterized by cutaneous nodules and a symmetric polyarthritis. He was treated with methotrexate and corticosteroids with improvement in the symptoms of his arthritis and skin lesions. This early treatment was beneficial in our patient.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.
authors.forename: Joyce M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Robert P
authors.initials: RP
authors.lastname: Sundel
authors.forename: Marilyn G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Liang
mesh_terms: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001168:Arthritis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology*; D002648:Child; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000473:pathology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011241:Prednisone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012216:Rheumatic Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology*; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology*; D013577:Syndrome
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents; D011241:Prednisone; D008727:Methotrexate