Felty Syndrome is a disorder defined by the presence of three conditions: rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an enlarged spleen (spenomelgaly) and a low white blood cell count (neutropenia). The presence of RA gives rise to painful, stiff and swollen joints. A low white blood cell count, especially when accompanied by an abnormally large spleen, leads to a greater chance for infections. These infections are typically skin or upper respiratory infections. Another serious complication of Felty Syndrome is portal hypertension, which is high blood pressure resulting from blocked or slowed blood flow through the liver due to scarring or other damage. Portal hypertension may result in life-threatening internal bleeding.
Other symptoms associated with Felty syndrome may include fatigue, fever, weight loss, eye burning and discharge, and/or discoloration of patches of skin (brown pigmentation). Patients with Felty Syndrome may also experience chronic leg ulcers that resist treatment.
The exact cause of Felty syndrome is unknown. It is believed to be an autoimmune disorder that may be genetically transmitted as an autosomal dominant trait.