Rheumatoid neutrophilic dermatitis in a woman with seronegative rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid neutrophilic dermatitis (RND) is an unusual cutaneous reaction in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RND is characterized by symmetric, erythematous papules, plaques, nodules, and urticarial lesions often located over the joints, extensor surfaces of the extremities, or the trunk. This entity demonstrates an intense neutrophilic dermal infiltrate without vasculitis. All patients previously reported with RND had severe RA with relatively high titers of rheumatoid factor when tested. A 67-year-old woman had a 2-month history of multiple, tender, 4 to 8 mm erythematous, crusted papules and nodules that occurred in clusters on her anterior thighs, knees, and legs. She suffered from severe disabling seronegative RA. RND may complicate seronegative RA. (J Am Acad Dermatol 2001;45:596-600.)