The most likely diagnosis is Jaccoud arthropathy, which is most commonly caused by systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). SLE arthritis is nonerosive, but persistent periarticular inflammation that affects the structural integrity of the joint capsule/supporting joint ligaments can result in Jaccoud arthropathy, or reversible hand deformities, which is characterized by reducible subluxation of the digits, swan neck deformities, and ulnar deviation of the fingers due to attenuation of the joint-supporting structures. It is reported to occur in 5% of patients with SLE and can be confused with rheumatoid arthritis. Jaccoud arthropathy can be seen in other inflammatory illnesses, including scleroderma, mixed connective tissue disease, and Sjögren syndrome, and was first described in patients with recurrent episodes of rheumatic fever. This patient with SLE demonstrates the classic features of Jaccoud arthropathy, including subluxation, ulnar deviation, and swan neck deformities, with radiographs that do not show evidence of erosions.
Joint hypermobility refers to the ability to painlessly move a joint beyond normal range of movement. Hypermobility syndrome describes a disorder characterized by musculoskeletal pain and generalized joint hypermobility occurring in otherwise healthy individuals. Patients with joint hypermobility can rarely have swan neck deformities but do not generally have deformities of the severity seen in this patient. In addition, the presence of another disease that can cause joint hypermobility (SLE in this patient) excludes hypermobility syndrome.
Mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) is characterized by features of systemic sclerosis, polymyositis, and SLE and is by definition associated with high titers of anti-U1-ribonucleoprotein antibodies. This patient does not have any of the characteristic symptoms of MCTD, including Raynaud phenomenon, hand edema, puffy fingers, and/or prominent synovitis.
Rheumatoid arthritis generally causes nonreducible hand deformities; furthermore, severe hand changes associated with rheumatoid arthritis typically show erosions on radiograph and periarticular osteopenia, which are not present in this patient.