Multiple rheumatoid bursitis with migrating chylous cysts. Report of a case in a European woman and review of the literature

Rev Rhum Engl Ed. 1999 Jun;66(6):354-8.

Abstract

We report a case of recurrent multiple bursitis (19 episodes at nine sites) requiring seven surgical procedures in a European women with a 38-year history of severe, nodular, destructive seropositive rheumatoid arthritis unresponsive to second-line drugs. The episodes of bursitis were not correlated with activity of the joint disease. Some cysts migrated over a considerable distance. At least two cysts contained chylous fluid. The histologic study of one cyst demonstrated a cholesterol crystal granuloma. Potential relationships linking cholesterol crystals, chylous cysts, and migrating multiple bursitis are discussed. The relevant literature is reviewed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / complications*
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / diagnosis
  • Biopsy
  • Bursitis / etiology*
  • Bursitis / pathology
  • Bursitis / surgery
  • Chyle
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Orthopedic Procedures / methods
  • Prognosis
  • Recurrence
  • Reoperation
  • Synovial Cyst / diagnosis*
  • Synovial Cyst / etiology*
  • Synovial Cyst / surgery