Nasal eosinophils associated with rheumatoid arthritis: description of some clinical cases and review of the literature

Abstract In this review we describe the relation between nasal eosinophilia and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Moreover we was performed a literature revision that valued the relation between eosinophilia in respiratory system with arthritis. We have examined, through nasal cytology, 7 patients (5 men and 2 women) aged between 7 and 60 years old, with a middle age of 38,5 years; this patients are affected by RA, members of UO of Diagnostic ORL and nasal cytology of the AIAS (Italian Association of Disadvantages assistance) of Afragola.Between them we put in evidence only a case of youth RA. All patients was not allergic and affected by recurrent rhinitis in maintenance therapy and not related with pollen calendar. The withdrawal documented the presence of rare eosinophils in nasal mucosa. This evidence could induce us to use this practice not only as follow up of patients but also as means of early diagnosis.