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

RSЗPE Syndrome: Autoinflammatory Features of a Rare Disorder

Remitting seronegative symmetrical synovitis with pitting edema (RSЗPE) syndrome was first described by McCarty in 1985 and is characterized by pitting edema and an acute symmetrical synovitis of small joints. Self-directed inflammation in autoimmune disorders is caused by an abnormal activation of the adaptive immune system, while in autoinflammatory disorders is due to aberrant activation of the innate immune system without autoantibodies or autoreactive T cells. The role of autoimmunity in the pathogenesis of RSЗPE syndrome is suggested by possible associations with some autoimmune diseases and HLA haplotypes. However, several other features point to a possible role of autoinflammation in RSЗPE syndrome. In this review, the relative contributions of both innate and adaptive immune systems to the pathogenesis of RSЗPE syndrome are discussed.

Remitting seronegative symmetrical synovitis with pitting edema: a review

Remitting seronegative symmetrical synovitis with pitting edema (RS3PE) is a rare benign rheumatological condition characterized by sudden-onset symmetrical distal extremity edema. It can present as an isolated disease process or could be associated with other conditions. Rheumatoid factor and anticitrullinated protein antibodies are negative by definition. In current literature, there is paucity of data about the disease process. We performed a literature search using the PubMed database to identify 38 articles that met our inclusion and exclusion criteria. Our literature review focuses on the clinical picture and its diverse associations. Role of various acute phase reactants has also been outlined. There is a generalized consensus among clinicians on using moderate dose steroids for treatment. Other management options for refractory cases have also discussed. Value of several imaging modalities in diagnostic evaluation of this disease entity is touched on. Since RS3PE can be associated with other diseases, specifically cancer, timely diagnosis of this condition is necessary.