Nodules Around the Elbow

CLINICAL DIAGNOSIS MANUAL

Nodules around the elbow can be manifestations of various medical conditions, presenting as palpable soft tissue masses.

Here is a description of the suspected and confirmed diagnoses, the suggested complementary tests, and the common pathologies that can cause this condition:

Pathology	Diagnosis of Suspicion	Diagnosis of Confirmation
Osteoarthritis	Pain and stiffness in the elbow, worsening with activity, improving with rest. Palpable nodules may be osteophytes.	Elbow X-rays showing osteophytes, joint space narrowing, subchondral sclerosis.
Rheumatoid Nodules	Patient with a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, presence of firm, non-tender nodules around the elbow.	Confirmation through positive rheumatoid factor or anti-CCP, correlation with disease activity.
Xanthomatosis	Soft, yellowish nodules under the skin, in patients with possible lipid disorders.	Biopsy of the nodule showing lipid deposits, elevated lipid profile analysis.
Gouty Tophi	History of gout, presence of hard, painful nodules in the elbow, exacerbated during acute attacks.	Confirmation through nodule aspiration and visualisation of urate crystals under polarised microscopy, elevated serum uric acid levels.