[Palindromic rheumatism]

Abstract

Palindromic rheumatism is characterized by episodes of arthritis or para-arthritis leaving no residual or radiographic changes. Several diseases should be ruled out in the differential diagnosis. Evolution to rheumatoid arthritis is common, especially in patient with positive rheumatoid factor and anticitrullinated peptides. In seronegative patients, palindromic rheumatism could be part of the spectrum of autoinflammatory diseases because of a high frequency of MEFV mutations. Treatment remains discussed. The use of antimalarials could delay the development of rheumatoid arthritis or another connective tissue disease.