Carpal arthritis with ankylosis in late onset Still's disease

Abstract

Thirteen patients are described in whom Still's disease began after age 15. All had objective evidence of arthritis, and 10 developed chronic synovitis of larger joints, especially the wrists. A characteristic evolution of roentgenographic changes was observed in 7 patients. Carpometacarpal and intercarpal joint spaces became selectively narrowed without erosions, and bony ankylosis eventually occurred. These roentgenographic changes may be a valuable clue to the diagnosis of Still's disease, regardless of the age at onset.