The syndrome of palmar fibromatosis (fasciitis) and polyarthritis

A 45-year-old woman developed simultaneously a form of palmar and digital fibromatosis and an unusual polyarticular disorder with painful capsular contraction. The features of the bilateral shoulder involvement were consistent with the adhesive capsulitis/frozen shoulder syndrome. The other affected joints were painfully contracted and tender but without signs of inflammation in synovial fluid (knee) or associated abnormalities in hematologic status. Histologically, there was extensive fibrosis with increased numbers of fibroblasts, dilated blood vessels and scant perivascular lymphocytic infiltration. The clinical and pathological features were similar to cases described as palmar fasciitis and polyarthritis occurring in association with malignant tumors and with antituberculous chemotherapy. Several months after removal of an endometrial cyst of the ovary and after symptomatic treatment, the palmar fibromatosis and polyarticular disorder had almost completely resolved.