All of the following is true about Felty syndrome, except?
**Core Concept**
Felty syndrome is a rare but serious complication of long-standing rheumatoid arthritis, characterized by the triad of rheumatoid arthritis, splenomegaly, and anemia due to the presence of circulating rheumatoid factor (RF) and often neutropenia.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Felty syndrome is caused by the deposition of immune complexes containing RF in various tissues, leading to the activation of complement and the release of inflammatory mediators. The resulting inflammation causes splenomegaly and neutropenia, which can increase the risk of infections. In addition, Felty syndrome is often associated with the presence of anti-CCP antibodies, which are a specific type of RF that targets the citrullinated protein antigens.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because Felty syndrome is indeed associated with rheumatoid arthritis, which is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by inflammation and joint damage.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because splenomegaly is a common feature of Felty syndrome, which is caused by the deposition of immune complexes in the spleen.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because anemia is a common feature of Felty syndrome, which is often due to the presence of circulating RF and the resulting inflammation.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Felty syndrome is a serious complication of rheumatoid arthritis that requires prompt treatment to prevent long-term damage and improve quality of life. Early recognition and management of Felty syndrome can help prevent complications such as infections and cardiovascular disease.
**Correct Answer:** D