Jaccoud's arthropathy: how to recognize a rare arthropathy

Abstract

Jaccoud's Arthropathy is a rare manifestation that occurs in several diseases, mainly in rheumatological diseases, with emphasis on systemic lupus erythematosus. Despite being initially described in association with rheumatic fever, this condition is characterized by deformities reducible to passive movement in the feet and hands, causing mainly fingers in the swan neck and ulnar deviation. This arthropathy involves the synovial and the periarticular region: it compromises nearby tendons, in addition to being chronic and non-erosive. Thus, Jaccoud's arthropathy may have a manifestation similar to several rheumatic comorbidities. Its identification and recognition of a reducible and non-erosive character help the clinical suspicion for diagnostic clarification. Although the initial reports of comorbidity date back a century, its treatment is based on controlling the underlying disease, in addition to preventing the loss of mobility and function of the affected joints. Surgical treatment, although described, still does not offer a good prognosis for patients.