Synovial Chondromatosis of the Shoulder in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Case Report and Brief Review of the Literature

Abstract

Background: Synovial chondromatosis is an uncommon benign condition characterized by synovial membrane proliferation and metaplasia. Synovial chondromatosis cases in patients with rheumatoid arthritis have been reported. However, involvement of the glenohumeral joint is rare.

Case presentation: We herein report a case of a rare association of synovial chondromatosis involving the shoulder in a rheumatoid arthritis patient. The symptoms have improved with anti-tumor necrosis factor drugs. Consequently, there was no need for invasive therapy to treat synovial chondromatosis.

Conclusion: Synovial chondromatosis can be aggressive and destructive. More trials are needed to establish a better clinical diagnostic strategy and pharmacological management.

Keywords: Chondromatosis; joint loose bodies; rheumatoid arthritis; shoulder joint; synovial; tumor necrosis factor inhibitors..