A rare giant geode of humeral head in an uncontrolled rheumatoid arthritis: a case report

IntroductionRheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease depicted by peripheral bone erosive damage leading to joint destruction, deformity and functional impairment. Shoulder involvement is less frequent than hands, wrists and feet, and relevant joint damage may be underdiagnosed if a lower threshold for careful analysis of this joint is not settled, especially in uncontrolled disease.Case ReportA 70-year-old male with a difficult-to-manage RA since 2010, presenting severe shoulder arthritis with MRI showing a striking giant geode in the left humeral head.ConclusionAn impressive MRI image showing a giant geode in poorly controlled RA should alert rheumatologists to raise suspicion of shoulder involvement for early investigation and treatment.

Automated summary

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that can cause joint damage, deformity, and functional impairment. Shoulder involvement is less common but can be underdiagnosed if not carefully analyzed, especially in uncontrolled disease. This case report presents a 70-year-old male with difficult-to-manage RA showing severe shoulder arthritis and a giant geode in the left humeral head on MRI. The striking MRI image of a giant geode in poorly controlled RA should raise suspicion of shoulder involvement for early investigation and treatment.