title: Soft tissue swellings in the foot: rheumatoid nodulosis.
abstract: Background rheumatoid nodulosis is a rare disease characterised by multiple subcutaneous nodules, a high titre of rheumatoid factor, radiologically detectable cystic bone lesions, but with none or few of the systemic manifestations or joint activity of rheumatoid disease. Histopathologically, nodulosis is the same as the nodules found in rheumatoid arthritis. It is considered to be a benign variant of rheumatoid arthritis. A 69 year old male presents with multiple subcutaneous nodules on the feet. This case study highlights the benefits of ultrasound in establishing a correct diagnosis and management. Although rare, rheumatoid nodulosis is a consideration in the differential diagnoses of soft tissue swellings in the feet.
authors.affiliation: The Foot and Ankle Service, Department of Trauma & Orthopaedic Surgery, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, 51 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 5SU, United Kingdom. Electronic address: William.McMurrich@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk.
authors.forename: William
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: McMurrich
authors.affiliation: The Foot and Ankle Service, Department of Trauma & Orthopaedic Surgery, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, 51 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 5SU, United Kingdom. Electronic address: Colin.Thomson@luht.scot.nhs.uk.
authors.forename: Colin
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Thomson
authors.affiliation: Rheumatic Disease Unit, Department, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, United Kingdom. Electronic address: Neil.McKay@luht.scot.nhs.uk.
authors.forename: Neil D
authors.initials: ND
authors.lastname: McKay
authors.affiliation: Rheumatic Disease Unit, Department, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, United Kingdom. Electronic address: Euan.McRorie@luht.scot.nhs.uk.
authors.forename: Euan
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: McRorie
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, 51 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 5SU, United Kingdom. Electronic address: Donald.Salter@luht.scot.nhs.uk.
authors.forename: Donald
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Salter
authors.affiliation: The Foot and Ankle Service, Department of Trauma & Orthopaedic Surgery, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, 51 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 5SU, United Kingdom. Electronic address: John.McKinley@luht.scot.nhs.uk.
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: McKinley
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D005534:Foot Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012218:Rheumatoid Nodule / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy
keywords: Anti-cyclic citrullinated antibodies; Cystic bone lesions; Rheumatoid factor; Subcutaneous nodules; Ultrasound