Among 340 patients with rheumatic diseases, two cases of chronic destructive monoarthritis of the wrist with anti-SSA/Ro antibodies and rheumatoid factor, were observed for over three years. It is not clear whether these cases represent a specific subset of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or whether they may progress to diffuse symmetrical destructive polyarthritis typical of RA. Long-term follow-up studies including analysis of autoantibodies will be needed to clarify the characteristics and course of chronic monoarthritis.
Key words Monoarthritis - Rheumatoid Arthritis - Rheumatoid Factor - Anti-SSA/Ro Antibodies - Anti-Nuclear Antibodies