Letter to the Editor

Authors’ Response

Authors: Veena R. Iyer, MD, George L. Cohen, MD

Abstract

To the Editor:


We thank Dr. Abraham for comments elaborating how our case of palindromic rheumatism (PR) with a broad overview of differential diagnoses and management may be monitored for progression to rheumatoid arthritis (RA).1 The role of anti-citrullinated protein antibody (anti-CCP) and HLA-DRB1 alleles in predicting progression to RA has been scrutinized by several investigators. Patients with PR with positive anti-CCP antibody are likely to progress to RA.2 It is fortunate that for our patient, anti-CCP antibody at the time of presentation was negative. She was lost to follow-up but did not develop RA or another connective tissue disease in the 3 years that she was seen by us.

This content is limited to qualifying members.

Existing members, please login first

If you have an existing account please login now to access this article or view purchase options.

Purchase only this article ($25)

Create a free account, then purchase this article to download or access it online for 24 hours.

Purchase an SMJ online subscription ($75)

Create a free account, then purchase a subscription to get complete access to all articles for a full year.

Purchase a membership plan (fees vary)

Premium members can access all articles plus recieve many more benefits. View all membership plans and benefit packages.

References

1. Iyer VR, Cohen GL. Palindromic rheumatism. South Med J 2011; 104: 147–149.
 
2. Russell AS, Devani A, Maksymowych WP. The role of anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies in predicting progression of palindromic rheumatism to rheumatoid arthritis. J Rheumatol 2006; 33: 1240–1242.
 
3. Gonzalez-Lopez L, Gamez-Nava JI, Jhangri GS, et al. Prognostic factors for the development of rheumatoid arthritis and other connective tissue diseases in patients with palindromic rheumatism. J Rheumatol 1999; 26: 540–545.
 
4. Tamai M, Kawakami A, Iwamoto N, et al. Contribution of anti-CCP antibodies, proximal interphalangeal joint involvement, HLA-DRB1 shared epitope, and PADI4 as risk factors for the development of rheumatoid arthritis in palindromic rheumatism. Scand J Rheumatol 2010; 39: 287–291.
 
5. Chen HH, Chen DY, Hsieh TY, et al. Predicting the progression of palindromic rheumatism to rheumatoid arthritis: the role of ultrasonography and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies. J Med Ultrasound 2010; 18: 17–26.
 
6. Koskinen E, Hannonen P, Sokka T. Palindromic rheumatism: long-term outcomes of 60 patients diagnosed in 1967–84. J Rheumatol 2009; 36: 1873–1875.