Rosai-Dorfman-Destombes (RDD) disease presenting as palindromic rheumatism

Rosai-Dorfman-Destombes (RDD) disease, is a rare proliferative and inflammatory disorder of non-Langerhans cell histiocytes.

We report a 35-year-old woman, who originally presented with recurrent episodes of lower extremity joint/bone pain and chronic nasal stuffiness and congestion. Her worsening nasal congestion was due to an obstructing nasal cavity lesion which was subsequently biopsied. Pathology was consistent with RDD. ¹⁸F-FDG PET images demonstrated intense uptake in the paranasal sinuses and a large pelvic lymph node. Focal osseous lesions with intense ¹⁸F-FDG uptake were also observed in the lower extremity, corresponding to areas of peri-articular pain. Rheumatologic work-up was consistent with palindromic rheumatism. She was diagnosed with immune-related disseminated RDD, presenting as palindromic rheumatism.

This is the first case of RDD presenting as palindromic rheumatism. RDD should be considered as a possible but rare diagnosis in young patients with sinus-related symptoms and lymphadenopathy. The disease can on rare occasions be disseminated and can also present as immune-related RDD, such as in this patient.