Recurrent transient ischemic attacks associated with thrombocytosis in rheumatoid arthritis

Thrombocytosis may appear in rheumatoid arthritis, nevertheless, thromboembolic phenomena have rarely been recorded. This case describes a 71-year old patient suffering from long-standing seropositive and nodular rheumatoid arthritis with severe pulmonary involvement. During an exacerbation of her disease and following the appearance of thrombocytosis, several episodes of transient ischemic attacks occurred. The neurological manifestations were right facial nerve paralysis, paraesthesia of the right cheek and dysarthria. The patient was treated successfully by antiaggregants, anticoagulants and busulfan.