A Rare Case in Rheumatology Clinical Practice: Pachydermodactyly

Abstract

Pachydermodactyly (PDD) is a benign, acquired digital fibromatosis characterized by asymptomatic and progressive swelling of periarticular soft tissue, and is usually seen in young men. The etiology of PDD is not fully understood, but is thought to be due to the result of recurrent mechanical stimulation. PDD is usually diagnosed by clinical evaluation. There are thick collagen bundles and collection of dermal mucin in the histopathology. Treatment is not indicated due to benign prognosis. Rheumatologic diseases, particularly rheumatoid arthritis, affecting the joints of the hands should be considered in the differential diagnosis due to the similarity of the joint involvement.

Keywords

• Pachydermodactyly
• proximal interphalangeal joint
• painless swelling