Remitting seronegative symmetrical synovitis with pitting edema syndrome caused by crystal-induced arthritis of the wrist: a case report.

OBJECTIVE

To describe a rare case of remitting seronegative symmetrical synovitis with pitting edema (RS3PE) syndrome caused by gouty arthritis.

METHODS

A 76-year-old man presented with swelling and pain in the dorsum of feet and hands bilaterally. From the laboratory and radiologic findings, the diagnosis of gout-induced RS3PE syndrome was made. Conservative therapy with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and intra-articular corticosteroid injection in the wrist joint completely and rapidly resolved all symptoms. The patient was successfully treated with oral administration of NSAIDs and a one-time intra-articular corticosteroid injection in the left wrist joint.

CONCLUSIONS

This case demonstrated the importance of considering the possibility of crystal-induced arthritis such as gout and pseudogout, as well as malignant disease, when diagnosing the primary disease responsible for RS3PE syndrome.