What characterizes Felty syndrome?

Felty syndrome is characterized by a classic triad that includes rheumatoid arthritis, splenomegaly, and neutropenia. This syndrome is a rare autoimmune disorder that primarily occurs in individuals with long-standing rheumatoid arthritis. The presence of neutropenia, which is a decrease in the number of neutrophils (a type of white blood cell), is significant because it predisposes patients to increased infections. Splenomegaly, or an enlarged spleen, is also a notable feature of Felty syndrome and reflects the involvement of the immune system.

The first option, suggesting eosinophilia and leukopenia instead of neutropenia, does not align with the defining characteristics of Felty syndrome. Similarly, the third and fourth options reference various conditions such as scleroderma and systemic lupus erythematosus, which are unrelated to Felty syndrome and do not encompass its specific clinical presentation. Thus, the correct identification of the triad of rheumatoid arthritis, splenomegaly, and neutropenia distinguishes Felty syndrome from other autoimmune conditions.