A giant rheumatoid nodule of the cubital fossa: A mimicker of malignancy

Abstract

Rheumatoid nodules (RNs) are the most common extraarticular manifestation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, appearing in up to 30%. They are typically localized subcutaneously in pressure points or joints, such as the extensor surface of the elbow. But when they have atypical localizations, they provide a confusing differential diagnosis including the possibility of a malignancy. Herein, we report a 53-year-old female patient with known rheumatoid arthritis who presented with a painless mass in the right cubital fossa. The uncommon site and the presence of cortical disruption made us proceed to computed tomography-guided biopsy to exclude the presence of a malignancy. Biopsy established the RN diagnosis.

Keywords

• cubital fossa
• guided biopsy
• rheumatoid arthritis
• rheumatoid nodule
• subcutaneous nodule