DermNet provides Google Translate, a free machine translation service. Note that this may not provide an exact translation in all languages

Translate

Rheumatoid nodule pathology

Author: Dr Ben Tallon, Dermatologist/Dermatopathologist, Tauranga, New Zealand, 2011.


toc-icon
Table of contents
arrow-right-small

Histology of rheumatoid nodule

In a rheumatoid nodule, scanning power view reveals a granulomatous tissue reaction pattern (Figure 1). Well formed necrobiotic granulomas form within the dermis frequently with deep extension (Figure 2). There is a surrounding palisade of histiocytes and a mixed infiltrate of lymphocytes, plasma cells, multinucleated giant cells and occasional eosinophils (Figure 3).

Rheumatoid nodule pathology

Special stains in rheumatoid nodule

Additional staining for fungal infections and mycobacteria should be considered in all significant granulomatous infiltrates.

Differential diagnosis of rheumatoid nodule

Deep granuloma annulare: The necrobiotic centres in rheumatoid nodules tend to demonstrate a bright eosinophilic consistency, whereas in granuloma annulare mucin deposition may be seen imparting a basophilic tinge.

 

References

  • Skin Pathology (3rd edition, 2002). Weedon D
  • Pathology of the Skin (3rd edition, 2005). McKee PH, J. Calonje JE, Granter SR

On DermNet

Other websites

Books about skin diseases

 

Related information

Sign up to the newsletter