Cutaneous Manifestations of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic systemic autoimmune inflammatory arthritis with various extra-articular manifestations. In this first series examining the cutaneous manifestation of rheumatic diseases, we will discuss the most common dermatologic findings in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Cutaneous lesions are the most common extra-articular findings. Rheumatoid nodules, accelerated rheumatoid nodulosis, and rheumatoid vasculitis are found especially in those with long-standing rheumatoid-factor-positive disease. Several neutrophilic dermatoses such as pyoderma gangrenosum, rheumatoid neutrophilic dermatoses, and Sweet's syndrome are also seen in association with rheumatoid arthritis. Patients may also present with various cutaneous adverse effects related to their arthritis therapy. It is important to recognize these dermatologic manifestations to better understand the underlying disease process, thus optimizing therapy and patient care.