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Two Cases of Pachydermodactyly Presenting as Polyarthritis
Roxana Mititelu1, Sarah Finch2, Paul Dancey3
1Department of Dermatology, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada.
Case Reports in Dermatological Medicine
|July 12, 2018
Summary
Pachydermodactyly causes swelling around finger joints, often mistaken for juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Early recognition is key for accurate diagnosis and treatment of this condition.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Dermatology
- Pediatric Orthopedics
Background:
- Pachydermodactyly is a rare, benign condition causing soft tissue swelling around finger joints.
- It is often misdiagnosed, particularly in pediatric patients, with conditions like juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).
- Swelling typically affects the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints laterally, without joint space involvement.
Observation:
- Two pediatric cases presented with periarticular swelling.
- Initial diagnosis was JIA, but pachydermodactyly was confirmed later.
Findings:
- Pachydermodactyly presents as asymptomatic, progressive swelling on the lateral aspects of the 2nd to 4th fingers.
- Swelling occurs around the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint but does not involve the joint itself.
Implications:
- Highlights the need to consider pachydermodactyly in young patients with periarticular swelling.
- Distinguishing pachydermodactyly from JIA is crucial for appropriate management.
