MASSIVE SUBACROMIAL BURSITIS WITH RICE BODIES - REPORT OF 3 CASES, ONE OF WHICH WAS BILATERAL

Multiple cartilaginous-like bodies (rice bodies) in joints or bursae m ay be the presenting sign of a more extensive underlying rheumatic con dition. Three patients with massive subacromial bursae with rice bodie s are described, one of whom had bilateral occurrence. In all patients , excision of the bursa and rice bodies relieved the symptoms. The und erlying rheumatic condition continued its course, generally sparing th e involved shoulder joint. Review of these cases reinforces the need t o provide a thorough examination for systemic rheumatologic disease in patients diagnosed with this lesion.