Intermittent hydrarthrosis

Intermittent hydrarthrosis^[1] is an rare syndrome affecting women that is characterized by symmetric joint effusions, predominantly involving the knees, without joint destruction. These effusions occur periodically, with recurrent self-remitting episodes of acute arthritis often monthly at or around the menses.

The pathogenesis of Intermittent hydrarthrosis is unknown. An involvement of mastocytes has been reported.

Recently, heterozygous disease-associated mutations of the Mediterranean fever gene MEFV gene^[2], which encodes the pyrin/marenostrin protein, were identified in patients with intermittent hydrarthrosis but without other features of familial Mediterranean fever.

Intermittent hydrarthrosis is charecterized by mild to moderate joint pain and stiffness when the disease is active. Aspirated synovial fluid is either bland or reflects mild inflammation.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids and colchicine are used, generally with good results, but some patients persist with recurrent episodes of arthritis.

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