Rheumatism, Palindromic

Key Features

• Frequent recurring attacks at irregular intervals of acutely inflamed joints

• In some patients, palindromic rheumatism is a prodrome of rheumatoid arthritis

Clinical Findings

• Periarticular pain with swelling

• Attacks cease within several hours to several days

• Knee and fingers are most commonly affected, but any peripheral joint may be involved

• Systemic manifestations other than fever do not occur

• Although hundreds of attacks may take place over a period of years, there is no permanent articular damage

Diagnosis

• Clinical

• Laboratory findings are usually normal

Treatment

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are usually all that is required during the attacks

• Hydroxychloroquine may be of value in preventing recurrences