Remitting Seronegative Symmetrical Synovitis with Pitting Edema (RS3PE) Syndrome and Malignancy

Mehmet Sayarlıoğlu

doi:10.29333/ejgm/82184

Abstract

Remitting seronegative symmetrical synovitis with pitting edema (RS3PE) syndrome is a definite subset of the seronegative symmetrical polyarthritis of the aged, characterized by dramatic pitting edema of the hands, male predominance, old age and exquisite response to corticosteroids. RS3PE syndrome is a rare but well-defined syndrome known to be associated with solid tumors and haematologic malignancies. Recent research has shown that it is not a specific entity but rather a syndrome that can represent the inaugural form of various types of rheumatic disease and neoplastic conditions of the elderly. A thorough examination in elderly patients with RS3PE syndrome, and heightened suspicion of potential underlying malignant disease is necessary.

Highlights

Remitting seronegative symmetrical synovitis with pitting edema (RS3PE) syndrome is a definite subset of the seronegative symmetrical polyarthritis of the aged, characterized by dramatic pitting edema of the hands, male predominance, old age and exquisite response to corticosteroids
In 1985, McCarty et al [1] described first Remmitting Seronegative Symmetrical Synovitis with Pitting Edema (RS3PE) syndrome which is characterized by symmetrical distal synovitis, tenosynovitis of the mucous sheaths of the flexor and extensor tendons of the hands, pitting edema of the hands and/or feet, seronegativity for the Rheumatoid Factor (RF) and benign prognosis, mainly affecting the elderly and the males, exquisite response to corticosteroids, and long term remission after withdrawal
The RS3PE syndrome appeared as a well characterized entity, in the recent research has shown that it is not a specific entity but rather a syndrome that can represent the inaugural form of various types of rheumatic disease and neoplastic conditions of the elderly [3]

Summary

Introduction

Remitting seronegative symmetrical synovitis with pitting edema (RS3PE) syndrome is a definite subset of the seronegative symmetrical polyarthritis of the aged, characterized by dramatic pitting edema of the hands, male predominance, old age and exquisite response to corticosteroids. An association of the RS3PE syndrome with solid tumors such as prostatic, rectal, gastric, colic, endometrial, hepatocellular, ovarian, pancreatic, and undifferentiated adenocarcinoma and fibrohictiocytoma was reported [4,5,6,7,9,12-15]. In a few cases this syndrome was associated with haematologic malignancies.

Results

Conclusion