palindromic rheumatism

Palindromic rheumatism is a joint disease of unknown cause characterized by recurrent attacks that typically last one to two days and do not result in permanent joint damage. While these attacks are temporary, the condition rarely goes into complete remission. Approximately one-third of individuals with palindromic rheumatism eventually develop rheumatoid arthritis.1

The pathology of palindromic rheumatism is not fully understood, but it is considered a type of inflammatory joint disease. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints. Unlike some other forms of arthritis, palindromic rheumatism does not typically cause lasting deformities or ankylosis (fusion of joints).12