Tophus-like cholesterol nodules in 2 patients with rheumatoid disease.

We describe 2 patients, both with rheumatoid disease, with tophus-like nodules that contained cholesterol crystals. A tophus-like cholesterol nodule had developed in a tendon sheath of the left little finger of one. The other presented with multiple tophus-like nodules on his left elbow and both forefeet. We discuss the etiology and pathogenesis of crystalline deposits of cholesterol. Nodules at sites of local pressure in patients with rheumatoid arthritis may be deposits of cholesterol crystals.