Understanding Palmar Fasciitis and Polyarthritis Syndrome as a Rheumatologic Paraneoplastic Syndrome: A Case Report

Cureus. 2024 May 28;16(5):e61248. doi: 10.7759/cureus.61248. eCollection 2024 May.

Abstract

Palmar fasciitis and polyarthritis syndrome (PFPAS) is an exceedingly rare rheumatologic condition characterized by fibrotic changes in the palmar fascia with joint pains. It is known to be associated with gynecological malignancy, especially ovarian adenocarcinoma, gastric cancer, pancreatic, prostate, breast, and lung cancer. We present a unique case of a 75-year-old Caucasian female with PFPAS preceding the diagnosis of ovarian cancer by eight months. Our case highlights the importance of considering PFPAS as a potential paraneoplastic syndrome. It underscores the need for increased awareness and further studies to enhance the early detection of underlying malignancies in patients presenting with similar nonspecific hand symptoms.

Keywords: malignant neoplasms; palmar fasciitis and polyarthritis syndrome; palmar images; paraneoplastic syndrome; rheumatologic process.

Publication types

  • Case Reports