RS3PE syndrome: an acute edematous polyarthritis of the elderly with variable prognosis

The RS3PE syndrome or subacute edematous polyarthritis of the elderly remai ns a doubtful entity. We report three cases that exhibited different course s: complete recovery, definite rheumatoid polyarthritis, and chronicity as a sign of myelodysplasic disease. These three different courses raise the q uestion of whether RS3PE is a disease or a syndrome. Actually, the use of t he term RS3PE syndrome should be restricted to cases with a favorable outco me. Definitive diagnosis thus cannot be reached before complete recovery.