An Unusual Case of Joint Disease. (A Possible Example of Arthritis Psoriatica)

The following case is placed on record because of its rarity and the advanced nature of changes in the locomotor system. Female, aged 51, was admitted March 29, 1943, and the following history was given. Twenty years ago she had sudden swelling and pain in some of her finger joints which spread quickly to most of the other joints. There was no fever and after an illness of about two weeks she carried on with her household duties. Eighteen years ago she was admitted into Whipps Cross Hospital for eight weeks with the same trouble and was advised against using her legs—she has been bedridden since then. She was taken to St. Thomas's Hospital several years ago, but was discharged on the same day as incurable. She could not use her limbs because they were drawn up, and complained of severe pain all over her body and sleeplessness due to pain. There was no heart trouble.