Radiological bone lesions in fibroblastic rheumatism; case report.

INTRODUCTION: Fibroblastic rheumatism (FR) is a rare disease characterized by polyarthralgia associated with painless subcutaneous nodules, sclerodactyly and finger contractures. CASE REPORT: A 45-year-old man presented with peripheral vascular disease, polyarthralgia and subcutaneous nodules. The diagnosis of FR was confirmed by histological examination of a biopsy sample of a nodule, which showed myofibroblast proliferation. Radiographs of both hands showed bilateral erosion of the distal and proximal interphalangeal joints, of the right trapezium bone and acro-osteolysis of the third phalanx of the right-hand second finger. COMMENTS: Although the clinical features of FR have now been well described, the literature includes few radiological descriptions. In most reported cases, radiographs are normal at disease onset. Joint radiographs performed later usually show bone destruction of the hands and feet.