Multicentric reticulohistiocytosis: a rare cause of erosive arthropathy of the distal interphalangeal finger joints

Multicentric reticulohistiocytosis

“…Multicentric reticulohistiocytosis is a rare condition, with fewer than 200 cases reported in the literature [4]. It most commonly affects middle-aged women, and is characterized by the deposition of lipid laden histiocytes, particularly in the skin and synovium.…”

“…It follows the arthritis in the remaining cases, beginning an average of 3 years after the onset of arthritis [6]. The skin lesions are characteristic, with a flesh-colored to reddish-brown papular or nodular "cobblestone" configuration and a "coral bead" appearance to the nailfolds [4]. In addition to the skin and articular manifestations, involvement of other organs including cardiac muscle, skeletal muscle, the pleura, and the gastrointestinal tract have been reported [7].…”

Clinical-Pathological Conference Series from the Medical University of Graz

“…In hemochromatosis arthropathy there is uniform loss of joint space at all the MCP joints including those of the ring and little fingers, while in CPPD crystal deposition disease there is narrowing predominantly of the index and the middle finger MCP joints [13]. Hook osteophytes may also be present on radiographs in cases of erosive arthropathy, but in erosive arthropathy distal interphalangeal joints are affected and clinically, these hook osteophytes have a distinct brown, wart-like appearance [14]. Since the pathological changes in this patient’s finger joints and his erythrodermia are not features of erosive arthropathy, this diagnosis can be ruled out.…”

Multizentrische Retikulohistiozytose – eine histiozytäre Form der Arthritis multilans

“…Jene Osteolysen sind typischerweise an den Gelenkrändern lokalisiert und der symmetrische Befall der DIP ist offenbar pathognomonisch [5]. Klinisch bildet sich das Bild einer Polyarthritis mit multiplem Gelenkbefall aus, das distale Gelenke präferiert.…”