In THE past, rheumatoid arthritis was characterized as an inflammatory process confined to the joints. Evidence has accumulated to indicate that, in many instances, arthritis is but one manifestation of a generalized systemic process. Three patients with mesenteric arteritis and intestinal infarction will be presented. Two of the patients had rheumatoid arthritis, and a third patient had clinical evidence of rheumatoid disease as well as features of systemic lupus erythematosus (LE) and dermatomyositis.
Report of Cases
Case 1.
—A 50-year-old white man had had rheumatoid arthritis since 1955. In January 1961, he experienced an exacerbation of joint symptoms and was treated with corticosteroids which were reduced gradually over a four-month period and then discontinued. In May 1961, acute joint symptoms recurred, and corticosteroid therapy was reinstituted. Pain, numbness, and burning in the dorsum of the left foot was first noted at this time. In July 1961, he was admitted to