Final answer:
Felty syndrome includes a triad of rheumatoid arthritis, splenomegaly, and neutropenia, and is a rare complication associated with rheumatoid arthritis and immune dysfunction.
Step-by-step explanation:
The triad of Felty syndrome consists of 1) Rheumatoid arthritis, splenomegaly, and neutropenia. This syndrome is a rare complication of chronic rheumatoid arthritis, characterized not just by its classic triad, but also by various extra-articular manifestations. While rheumatoid arthritis induces chronic inflammation in the joints, splenomegaly and neutropenia are indicative of potential immune dysfunction and an increased risk of infection, respectively. Diagnosis and management of Felty syndrome require careful clinical assessment and a multidimensional approach that can include medication and monitoring for infection due to the associated neutropenia.
The triad of Felty syndrome consists of:
Rheumatoid arthritis: This is a chronic inflammatory joint disease that causes joint pain, swelling, and deformity.
Splenomegaly: Enlargement of the spleen.
Neutropenia: Low levels of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell that helps fight infection.
In Felty syndrome, the combination of these three symptoms is characteristic and helps differentiate it from other conditions. It is most commonly seen in individuals with long-standing rheumatoid arthritis.