RS3PE syndrome

The RS3FE syndrome (Remitting Seronegative Symmetrical Synovitis with Fitti ng Edema) is a manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis in the elderly with a good prognosis. It usually presents as an acute, symmetric polysynovitis wi th edema of the dorsum of the hands and feet. Anti-inflammatory treatment w ith corticosteroids leads to prompt improvement. We describe the case of an sl year old man with a primarily unilateral manifestation involving the ri ght hand. A thrombosis of the axillary vein was suspected. Within a few day s he developed a pitting edema of the dorsum of the other hand. Movement of both shoulders and wrists was painful. Low-dose corticosteroid therapy res ulted in a rapid improvement of the edema and the inflammatory symptoms.