Palindromic rheumatism
1Department of Radiology and Rheumatology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA. vee.iyer@gmail.com
Abstract:
We present the case of a 56-year-old woman with a one-month history of recurrent, migratory oligoarthritis. Laboratory tests were normal except for positive antinuclear antibody (ANA) titers. Imaging studies were normal. Palindromic rheumatism (PR) was considered as a diagnosis. In this brief report, we discuss the etiopathogenesis, clinical presentation, prognosis and treatment of this entity. We also elaborate on the factors associated with progression to chronic joint disease. It is important for the primary care physician to be aware of this relatively uncommon diagnosis in patients presenting with joint pains and to distinguish it from other causes of recurrent arthritis, especially rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Related Concept Videos
Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction
Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Rheumatic Heart Disease III: Medical Management
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Poliomyelitis
Multiple Sclerosis l: Introduction
