Jaccoud arthritis

Abstract

Jaccoud polyarthritis is thought to be a rare complication of rheumatic fever. It is characterized by severe rheumatic fever, with repetitive or prolonged attacks, associated with a painless, but deforming arthritis affecting the small joints of hand and feet. Radiologically, erosion of the metacarpal heads may be present. All described cases have shown obvious rheumatic heart disease. Two patients had the clinical and radiographic features of Jaccoud arthropathy who had no antecedent history of rheumatic fever. Jaccoud arthropathy may have diverse causes.