Unexpected riziform bodies

Riziform bodies are structures in the synovial fluid or attached to the synovium, which macroscopically resemble rice grains. They are common in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and result from a chronic inflammation. They are found in 25% of aspiration procedures or joint surgery. However, there are still no publications reporting its presence in the subcutaneous tissue. We report for the first time the occurrence of riziform bodies in the subcutaneous plane of the palmar region in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis, confirmed by sonographic and anatomopathological examination, successfully treated with surgical drainage, without recurrences after two years of follow-up.

Keywords: Abscess; Rheumatoid arthritis; Dermatopathies; Hand dermatoses; Outpatient Surgical Procedures; Surgical Diagnostic Techniques