title: [Seven cases of remitting seronegative symmetrical synovitis with pitting edema (RS3PE) syndrome].
abstract: Among the elderly patients with seronegative polyarthritis, McCarty et al. (1985) proposed a disease entity of "remitting seronegative symmetrical synovitis with pitting edema (RS3PE) syndrome", but only a few cases have been reported in Japan. Here we report 7 cases suspicious of RS3PE syndrome, 2 men and 5 women with an average age of 75.9 years, ranging from 67-82 years. Their common findings were (1) relatively acute onset, (2) polyarthritis, (3) pitting edema of the dorsum of both hands and both feet, and (4) negative rheumatoid factor and antinuclear antibody. McCarty et al. found that RS3 PE syndrome was more prevalent in men; however, in our experience, the opposite was observed. The clinical courses of all patients were good, and they were effectively treated either by small dosages of oral prednisolone, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, or Chinese herbal (Kampo) medicines. Since this syndrome might not be rare in Japan, it seems necessary to evaluate elderly patients with seronegative polyarthritis with pitting edema as RS3PE syndrome in their routine medical examinations.
authors.affiliation: Department of Japanese Oriental Medicine, Toyama Prefectural Central Hospital.
authors.forename: Kozo
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Takahashi
authors.forename: Hiroshi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Fujinaga
authors.forename: Motoo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kobayashi
authors.forename: Takero
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Naito
authors.forename: Hiroyuki
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Iida
authors.forename: Shuichi
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Aoki
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000175:diagnosis; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004487:Edema / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D012217:Rheumatoid Factor / Q000032:analysis; D013577:Syndrome; D013585:Synovitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D012217:Rheumatoid Factor