Palindromic rheumatism (PR) is a rare disease that belongs to the group of arthritis. Up to half of PR patients develop rheumatoid arthritis (RA) over time, which unfortunately leads to permanent changes in the locomotor system. What are the causes and symptoms of palindromic rheumatism? How is his treatment going?

The namepalindromic rheumatism(Palindromic rheumatism - PR) is derived from "palindrome", which is an expression that sounds the same when reading from left to right and right to left - it refers to to the nature of the symptoms that come on suddenly and continue to disappear. The problem of palindromic rheumatism (PR), unlike other arthritis (eg RA), equally affects women and men. The increase in the incidence is observed in the range between 20 and 50 years of age.

Palindromic rheumatism: causes

The factor causing palindromic rheumatism (PR) is still unknown, but it is classified as an autoimmune disease. Some people consider PR to be a miscarriage of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This is indicated by the high titer of anti-cyclic citrullinated polypeptide (anti-CCP) and anti-keratin antibodies, typical of RA, and found in a large group of PR patients.

In addition, palindromic rheumatism may be the first manifestation of Whipple's disease, caused by an infection by T. Whippelii.

Palindromic rheumatism: symptoms

Palindromic rheumatism (PR) is characterized by a sudden and repeated attack of pain and swelling in the joints. Arthritis can also spread to periarticular tissues. Symptoms most often affect one joint, but sometimes several at the same time. This episode may last from several hours to several days. The frequency of attacks varies and the period of remission can vary from a few days to even a year. Sometimes fever, subcutaneous nodules are observed, in severe cases limb paresis or sensory disturbances (tingling, burning) may occur. Several studies have shown that a significant proportion of patients can develop RA, lupus erythematosus (SLE) or other forms of chronic arthritis over time.

Palindromic rheumatism: research

Due to the nature of the symptoms, diagnosis is difficult and takes time. Imageclinical conditions may resemble other forms of arthritis or autoimmune diseases. Since there is no one test that can easily diagnose a disease, it is rather a diagnosis that excludes other diseases. Therefore, in order for a doctor to be able to diagnose palindromic rheumatism, it is necessary to collect a complete history of the disease, a thorough physical examination of the patient, X-rays, synovial fluid examination and laboratory tests are also helpful.

Palindromic rheumatism: treatment

Treatment involves the administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to control an acute attack of the disease. Antimalarial drugs such as hydroxychloroquine are helpful by reducing the frequency of seizures and preventing progression to RA.

Category:

Spine, bones, joints