Felty syndrome

Felty syndrome An uncommon complication of long-standing rheumatoid arthritis defined by the presence of an enlarged spleen (splenomegaly) and an abnormally low white blood cell count. Patients may have an increased susceptibility to infection. The cause of Felty syndrome is not known. Treatment of Felty syndrome is not always required beyond treatment for the underlying rheumatoid arthritis, but splenectomy can benefit some patients with very low white blood cell counts and recurring infections. See also rheumatoid arthritis.