Rheumatoid neutrophilic dermatitis

Abstract

Rheumatoid neutrophilic dermatitis (RND) is a rare cutaneous finding in patients with severe rheumatoid arthritis or with high-titer rheumatoid factors. Most commonly, these lesions are erythematous papules or plaques distributed symmetrically on extensor surfaces. On histologic examination a dense dermal neutrophilic infiltrate without vasculitis is apparent. The pathogenesis of RND is unclear, and few treatments are known. With careful clinical and histologic examination, RND may be differentiated from the wide array of other cutaneous findings in rheumatoid arthritis.