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. 1995 Nov;54(11):927–929. doi: 10.1136/ard.54.11.927

Isolated nail fold vasculitis in rheumatoid arthritis.

R A Watts 1, D M Carruthers 1, D G Scott 1
PMCID: PMC1010045  PMID: 7492244

Abstract

OBJECTIVES--To establish the clinical significance of isolated nail fold vasculitis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS--Patients attending hospital with established RA were assessed by a single observer using unaided vision. Isolated nail fold vasculitis (NFV) was diagnosed as small nail edge or nail fold lesions without any evidence of other extra-articular or systemic vasculitis. Patients were followed prospectively. RESULTS--Thirty patients with isolated NFV were identified and followed for a median interval of 22 months. Three patients died within three months of diagnosis and six developed complications possibly indicative of extra-articular disease: xerostomia (three), pericarditis (one), pleural effusion and empyaema (one), pulmonary fibrosis (one). No patient developed systemic vasculitis. CONCLUSION--Isolated NFV has a favourable prognosis compared with systemic vasculitis. There is a low risk of developing systemic or extra-articular disease.

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Selected References

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