Palindromic rheumatism

Palindromic rheumatism: An enigmatic disease in which there are recurrent attacks of transient inflamation in and around the joints. The fingers and knees are the most common targets. Aside from pain and swelling, there may be nodules felt just below the skin. The attacks stop almost as quickly as they begin, within hours or at most a few days. Although many attacks may occur over the years, they leave no permanent joint damage. Symptomatic treatment is required during the attacks to relieve the pain.

The cause of palindromic rheumatism is still somehat uncertain. It has been suggested that it is an abortive form of rheumatoid arthritis, since anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies (anti-CCP) and antikeratin antibodies (AKA) are present in a high proportion of patients, as is the case in rheumatoid arthritis.