Rheumatoid Vasculitis Involving Gastrointestinal Tract Pre-dating Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Case Study and Literature Review

Rheumatoid vasculitis (RV) constitutes a rare but serious complication of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), characterized by the inflammation of small and medium-sized blood vessels. We present a case of a 34-year-old male with chronic alcoholism who presented with epigastric pain, hematemesis, purpuric rashes, and multiple joint swelling and pain, without prior RA diagnosis. Abdominal angiography was unremarkable, ruling out Polyarteritis Nodosa (PAN) and Mallory Weiss tear. Upper GI endoscopy revealed erosive gastroduodenitis, and biopsies confirmed small vessel leukocytoclastic vasculitis with fibrinoid necrosis, initially raising suspicion of Henoch-Schonlein Purpura (HSP). However, positive rheumatoid factor (RF), anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibody, elevated inflammatory markers (erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP)), and negative immunoassay tests led to the diagnosis of RV. Treatment with intravenous hydrocortisone led to rapid improvement, and the patient is now being monitored on an outpatient basis with progressive recovery. This case underscores the unusual presentation of gastrointestinal involvement in RV. It highlights the importance of considering RV as a primary diagnosis, even in the absence of a prior RA diagnosis. Early recognition and intervention are critical for managing complications, emphasizing the need for a high index of suspicion in rheumatic diseases' unusual presentations.