ILIOPSOAS BURSITIS IN RHEUMATOID-ARTHRITIS

A 58-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) presented with pers istent hip pain and an inguinal mass. Considerable liquid had collecte d inside the iliopsoas bursa, apparently not in communication with the hip joint, as shown by ultrasonography and computed tomography (CT). After one month of systemic steroidal therapy (25 mg/day prednisone), the palpable inguinal mass and pain had disappeared. Iliopsoas bursiti s should be suspected in RA patients with a long history of disease pr esenting with an inguinal mass, persistent groin pain or unilateral le g swelling. The lack of communication between the hip joint cavity and bursa may be considered as a favourable prognostic index. Steroid tre atment should be always attempted in order to avoid surgery.