Vol.21 No.2

Case Report

Achilles paratendonitis as the initial manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis

Authors

Takeshi Suzuki1 , Keiko Ishihara1

  • Division of Rheumatology, Mitsui Memorial Hospital, 1 Kandaizumi-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-8643, Japan
Received:

15 June 2010

Accepted:

30 September 2010

Published online:

28 October 2010

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Abstract

We report a case of rheumatoid arthritis in which the earliest symptom was bilateral paratendonitis of the Achilles tendons, followed by paratendonitis of a finger extensor. A series of musculoskeletal ultrasonograms revealed a progression from paratendonitis of the extensor tendon to erosive synovitis of the adjacent metacarpophalangeal joint. High-resolution ultrasonography combined with power Doppler imaging seems to be a useful and convenient tool both for diagnosing paratendonitis early and for closely monitoring the progressing inflammation.

Key words

Achilles tendon - Power Doppler ultrasonography - Rheumatoid arthritis - Paratendonitis