[Rheumatoid polyarthritis of adults in tropical Africa. Apropos of 50 cases in the Ivory Coast].

The joint manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis in tropical Africa are characterized by the discreteness of the involvement of the hips and perhaps of the cervical spine. The extra-articular manifestations are rare and principally of the pulmonary fibrosis type. It is difficult to conclude on the more frequent sero-negativity of the disease, as the studies are incomplete. The overall tolerance of the disease appears to be good despite the limited treatment available.