Antithyroid arthritis syndrome

We describe a recent clinical case experience of antithyroid arthritis syndrome and literature search from 1965 to 1996 on antithyroid medication and associated arthritis using MEDLINE and EMBASE. The antithyroid arthritis syndrome is a transient migratory polyarthritis that occurs within 2 months of starting thionamide treatment, and resolves within 4 weeks of stopping therapy. Discontinuation of medication is necessary. Alternative forms of treatment for hyperthyroidism should be sought. Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug or treatment of the rheumatic complaints is recommended or if unsuccessful, corticosteroid treatment.