[Osteolytic forms of rheumatoid polyarthritis. Personal cases and review of the literature]

The authors report eight personal cases of severe and multiple osteolysis in rheumatoid arthritis. 42 other cases were found in the international literature. Osteolytic rheumatoid arthritis concern almost exclusively women, often with small stature. Lesions prevail on upper limbs. All peripheric joints can be involved, except knees, ankles and tarses. The most typical and the most constant aspect is the "opera glass hands". Extra-articular manifestations occur in the same rate as for common rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid factor are present in 2/3 of the cases. Pathogeny of these osteolyses remains unknown and a neurologic mecanism is inprobable.