Rheumatoid Nodules Predating Seroconversion and Rheumatoid Arthritis: An Uncommon Case Report

Abstract

Rheumatoid nodulosis is a benign condition associated with mild or no arthritis. Differently from classical rheumatoid nodules, which are relatively common in patients with long-standing rheumatoid arthritis, particularly in rheumatoid factor (RF)-positive patients, rheumatoid nodulosis may rarely precede arthritis onset and even seroconversion. We describe the clinical course of a patient with isolated painful rheumatoid nodules, who subsequently experienced RF and anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA) seroconversion and finally developed overt rheumatoid arthritis. This case should raise clinical awareness to consider rheumatoid nodulosis as a possible diagnosis even in the absence of arthritis and of RF positivity, whenever facing with isolated subcutaneous nodules.