MLA Rheumatology Flashcards
Which haplotypes are associated with rheumatoid arthritis?
HLA-DR4/DR1
Which modifiable risk factor increases disease severity in rheumatoid arthritis?
Smoking - increases citrullination
What is rheumatoid factor?
IgM Antibody directed against the Fc region of IgG
When is joint stiffness most prominent in rheumatoid arthritis?
In the morning (worse at rest and during periods of inactivity)
What are the most common sites affected by rheumatoid arthritis?
Metacarpophalangeal, proximal interphalangeal, metatarsophalangeal joints, followed by the wrists, knees, elbows, ankles, hips and shoulder
Which joints are spared in rheumatoid arthritis?
Distal interphalangeal joints
What is a swan-neck deformity?
Hyper-extension of the proximal interphalangeal joint (flexion of DIP)
Which rheumatoid deformity is associated with hyperflexion of the PIP joints?
Boutonniere deformity
Which syndrome describes a triad of splenomegaly, neutropenia and rheumatoid arthritis?
Felty Syndrome
Which serology is positive in RA?
Rheumatoid factor
Anti-CCP
Which autoantibody is most specific in RA?
Anti-CCP
What are the radiograph features of rheumatoid arthritis?
Periarticular erosions
Loss of joint space
Juxta-articular osteoporosis
Which score is used to assess disease severity in rheumatoid arthritis?
DAS-28
Prior to surgery in patients with RA, which immediate X-ray should be performed?
Ap and lateral cervical spine to screen for atlantoaxial subluxation
What is the first medical management for RA?
Disease-modifying drugs e.g., Methotrexate, sulfasalazine and azathioprine
What are the adverse effects associated with methotrexate?
Mucositis, myelosuppression, hepatotoxicity, pulmonary toxicity (hypersensitivity pneumonitis).
What should be co-prescribed with methotrexate?
Folic acid 5 mg (administered >24 hours since last methotrexate dose)
How long should methotrexate be discontinued for until conception?
Minimum 6 months
Which drug can interact with methotrexate and cause marrow aplasia?
trimethoprim/co-trimoxazole
What is the medical management for acute RA flares?
Short-term bridging with glucocorticoids
What is the preferred medical management until a rheumatoid appointment is available?
Low-dose NSAID with PPI cover
What is the indication to start biological DMARDs in RA?
inadequate response to >2 DMARDs
What are the preferred biological DMARDs in RA?
- Anakinra – IL-1
- Anti-TNF-alpha – Etanercept, infliximab, adalimumab
What investigation should be performed prior to starting biological therapy in RA?
CXR to screen for latent tuberculosis
What are the pulmonary complications associated with RA?
Interstitial lung disease, pleural effusion
What is the affected site associated with Heberden’s nodes?
Distal interphalangeal joint
Which node is associated with the proximal interphalangeal joint in osteoarthritis?
Bouchard’s nodes
What is the pain presentation associated with osteoarthritis?
- Activity-related joint pain
- NO morning joint-related stiffness or morning stiffness >30 minutes.
On palpation of joints in patients with osteoarthritis, what is commonly felt?
Crepitus
Which hand joints are most commonly affected in osteoarthritis?
First carpometacarpal joint at the base of the thumb
and
DIP/PIP
What fixed deformity of the thumb is observed in osteoarthritis?
Squaring
How is the severity if hip arthritis measured?
Oxford Hip Score
Which movement is affected in hip arthritis?
Painful restriction of internal rotation with hip flexion.
What is the main symptom of knee osteoarthritis?
Locking - inability to straighten the knee
What are the four radiological features observed in osteoarthritis?
- Loss of joint space
- Osteophytes
- Subchondral sclerosis
- Subchondral cysts
What is the first line medical management for osteoarthritis?
Topical 5% ibuprofen gel applied 3 times a day for knee OA
If topical therapy is ineffective in patients with osteoarthritis, what is the next line of management?
Oral NSAIDs e.g., ibuprofen, celecoxib
What is the definitive management of an osteoarthritis hip?
Total hip replacement
What is the most common reason for a total hip replacement revision?
Aseptic loosening
Which dislocation is most commonly associated with anosteoporotic hip?
Posterior dislocation
What are the risk factors for ankylosing spondylitis?
HLA-B27
Which joint is most affected in Ankylosing Spondylitis ?
Sacroiliac joints
What is the characterised stiffness presentation in Ankylosing Spondylitis ?
Prolonged morning back stiffness
Which movements are restricted in Ankylosing Spondylitis ?
Limited lumbar spine motion (lateral and forward flexion)
Reduced chest expansion
Which test is used to assess for lumbar spine motion in Ankylosing Spondylitis ?
Schober’s test
What type of respiratory dysfunction is associated with Ankylosing Spondylitis ?
Restrictive defect
What planar complication is associated with Ankylosing Spondylitis ?
Enthesitis (heel, plantar)
Tenderness at tendon insertion sites e.g., Achilles tendon and plantar fascia
What are the extra-articular complications associated with Ankylosing Spondylitis ?
- Apical fibrosis – detected on CXR.
- Anterior uveitis
- Aortic regurgitation and AV node block
- Achilles tenonitis
- Amyloidosis
- Peripheral arthritis
- Cauda equina syndrome
Which is the most useful investigation in patients with suspected Ankylosing spondylitis?
Plain X-ray of sacroiliac joins to assess for sacroillitis
What is a late and uncommon radiograph finding in Ankylosing spondylitis?
Bamboo spine
Which investigation is indicated to assess for respiratory complications in Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Spirometry
What is the first line management for Ankylosing spondylitis?
NSAIDs (lowest effective dose)
When are DMARDs indicated for ankylosing spondylitis?
For peripheral joint involvement
Which haplotype associated with psoriatic arthritis?
HLA-B27
What deformity is associated with psoriatic arthritis?
Mutilans - telescoping fingers
What is the characteristic radiograph finding observed in psoriatic arrthritis?
Pencil in cup deformity
What is the immediate management for suspected psoriatic arthritis?
Urgent referral to the rheumatologist - prescribe NSAIDs at the lowest effective dose
What is used to manage acute flares of psoriatic arthritis?
Steroids e.g., prednisolone
Which monoclonal antibodies are indicated for the management of psoriatic arthritis?
Ustekinumab and secukinumab (targets IL-17)
What is the triad of symptoms associated with reactive arthritis?
- Can’t pee: Urethritis, UTIs, STIs, circinate balanitis.
- Can’t see: Conjunctivitis, iritis, uveitis.
- Can’t bend my knee: Axial arthritis, asymmetrical oligoarthritis
- Can’t stand on my feet: Keratoderma blennorrhagica.
What are the commonest causes of reactive arthritis?
: 1-4 weeks following an enteric infection (e.g., Campylobacter, Salmonella, Shigella, Yersinia), a venereal infection (e.g., chlamydia) or a streptococcal sore throat.
What investigations are indicated for reactive arthritis?
- Bloods:
- CRP/ESR – raised
- WCC – raised
- Antibody testing – negative
- Joint aspiration – negative for crystals and bacteria.
What is the first line management for reactive arthritis?
NSAIDs, intra-articular steroids
Which autoantibodies are associated with Sjogren’s syndrome?
Anti-Ro and Anti-La
What are the characteristic features associated with Sjogren’s syndrome?
Dry mouth and dry eyes
Which sex is most affected in Sjogren’s syndrome?
Female:male predominance (9:1)
Which test is used to assess for wetting in Sjogren’s disease?
Schirmer’s test (,5 mm wetting per minute)
What is the serology testing in patients with Sjogren’s syndrome?
Anti-Ro and Anti-La
ANA
RF
What is the first line conservative management for Sjogren’s syndrome?
Artificial tears
Saliva substitute
Mouth Rinse
Pilocarpine
Which auto-antibody is associated with polymyositis?
Anti-Jo-1
What is the main clinical presentation of polymyositis?
Symmetric involvement of proximal girdle muscles (shoulder and pelvic muscles)
What respiratory complication is associated with polymyositis?
Interstitial lung disease
Which blood tests are raised in polymyositis?
Creatine kinase
ESR
LDH
What is the diagnostic investigation for polymyositis?
EMG-guided biopsy
What screen should be performed in polymyositis?
Malignancy screen - tumour markers, CXR, mammography
What is the first line management for polymyositis?
High-dose oral steroids
What is indicated for the management of refractory polymyositis?
IV IG
Which viruses can precipitated dermatomyositis?
Coxsackie B virus, parvovirus, and enterovirus
Which drugs can worsen dermatomyositis?
hydroxyurea, cyclophosphamide, penicillin, sulphonamides and NSAIDs
Which two skin manifestations are associated with dermatomyositis?
Heliotrope rash
Gottron’s papules
Which blood markers are raised in dermatomyositis?
ESR and serum CK levels
Which investigations are used to diagnose dermatomyositis?
EMG-guided biopsy
What is the most common composition of gout?
Monosodium urate crystal
Which drugs can precipitate gout?
Thiazide diuretics, low dose salicylates, ACEi and beta-blockers
What are the risk factors for gout?
Tumour lysis syndrome
Obesity
Alcohol excess
Which joint is most affected by gout?
1st MTP joint
What are the features of chronic tophaceous gout?
Polyarticular arthritis
Tophi deposits in ear lobes, fingers and elbows
Urate kidney stones
What is the first line investigation for gout?
Serum urate
What is the definitive investigation for gout?
Joint aspiration and polarised microscopy
Needle-shaped crystals with strong negative birefringence is associated with what?
Gout
What is the first line management of an acute gout flare?
NSAIDs
Colchicine
When should a follow-up appointment be scheduled for gout?
4-6 weeks following gout flare
What is the prophylactic management for gout?
Allopurinol
What is the mechanism of action for allopurinol?
Xanthine oxidase inhibitor
What is the alternative drug to allopurinol for urate-lowering therapy in gout?
Febuxostat
Which drug increases urate excretion in gout management?
Probenecid
Which drugs should be avoided in patients with gout?
Azathioprine
What is the crystal composition for pseudogout?
Calcium pyrophosphate dehydrate crystals
What is the radiological finding observed in pseudogout?
Chondrocalcinosis
What are the risk factors associated with pseudogout?
- Hyperparathyroidism
- Hypophosphatemia, hypomagnesaemia
- Metabolic – DM, hypothyroid
- Wilson’s disease
- Haemochromatosis
Which joints are affected by pseudogout?
Knees, hips and shoulders
What are the polarised light microscopy findings in pseudogout?
Positively birefringent rhomboid shaped
What is the medical management for pseudogout?
NSAIDs or intra-articular steroids
What i the inheritance pattern to Marfan’s syndrome?
Autosomal dominant
Which gene is affected in Marfan Syndrome?
FBN1
Which aortic complication is associated with Marfan syndrome?
Aortic root dilation
Which annual screening investigation is indicated in patients with Marfan syndrome?
Echocardiography
What lifestyle advice is provided to patients with Marfan Syndrome?
Avoid intense exercise and contact sports
What is the prophylactic medical management in Marfan syndrome?
Beta-blockers
Which disorder is associated with pulseless disease with unequal blood pressures in the upper limbs?
Takayasu’s Arteritis
Which artery is most commonly affected in Takayasu Arteritis?
Subclavian arteries
What is the clinical presentation of Takayasu Arteritis?
- Limb claudication with exertion
- Chest pain
- Systemic features: Weight loss, fatigue, malaise, and headache
- Vascular bruits
- Unequal blood pressure in the upper limbs
- Absent or weak peripheral pulses
- Hypertension (due to renal artery stenosis).
What are the CT angiography findings associated with Takayasu arteritis?
Segmental narrowing
What is the first-line management for Takayasu arteritis?
Steroids
What is the prophylactic drug indicated in Takayasu’s Arteritis ?
Aspirin
Which virus is associated with polyarteritis nodosa?
Hepatitis B
Which type of vasculitis is associated with livedo reticularis?
Polyarteritis Nodosa
Intestinal angina and testicular pain is associated with which type of vasculitis?
Polyarteritis Nodosa
What are the angiography findings associated with Polyarteritis Nodosa ?
Strings of pearl/rosary bead appearance
Saddle nose deformity, sinusitis and pulmonary haemorrhage is associated with which type of vasculitis?
Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (Wegener’)
What auto-antibody is raised in Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (Wegener’)?
c-ANCA
What is the target of c-ANCA?
Proteinase-3
What is the 1st line management for inducing remission in patients with Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (Wegener’)?
Corticosteroids and DMARDs
Which drug is indicated for inducing remission in severe Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (Wegener’)?
Cyclophosphamide
Which autoantibody is raised in microscopic polyangiitis?
pANCA
What syndrome is associated with microscopic polyangiitis?
- Pulmonary Renal Syndrome:
- Pulmonary haemorrhage – diffuse alveolar haemorrhage.
- Renal – Rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis
What is the clinical presentation associated with Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with polyangiitis?
Asthma
Eosinophilia
Myocarditis
Which autoantibody is raised in Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with polyangiitis?
pANCA
What is the target for pANCA?
Myeloperoxidase
Which investigations are indicated for monitoring in HSP?
Blood pressure and urinalysis
Which haplotype is associated with Behcet’s disease?
HLA-B51
What is the characteristic clinical manifestations of Behcet’s disease?
Recurrent and painful mucocutaneous ulcers
Anterior uveiits
Which test is indicated in Behcet’s disease?
Pathergy test
What is the first line management for Behcet’s disease?
Topical corticosteroid for oral and genital ulcers
Which autoantibody is associated with limited scleroderma?
Anti-centromere
What constellation of symptoms are associated with limited scleroderma?
- Calcinosis (calcium deposit on tip of thumb)
- Raynaud’s phenomenon (white blue red)
- Oesophageal dysmotility
- Sclerodactyly
- Telangiectasia
What drug is indicated for the management of Raynaud’s?
Nifedipine
Which autoantibody is associated with diffuse scleroderma?
Anti-Scl70 antibody
Which vasculitic disease is associated male smokers with a heavy smoking history?
Berger’s disease
What contrast angiography finding is characteristic of Berger’s disease?
Corkscrew appearance
Which auto-antibody is most sensitive regarding SLE?
ANA
Which is the mot specific autoantibody associated with SLE?
Anti-dsDNA
What markers are low during active SLE?
C3 and C4
What is the first line management for SLE?
Hydroxychloroquine
Which monitoring is required for hydroxychloroquine?
Annual monitoring (including fundus autofluorescence and spectral domain OCT) is recommended by the Royal College of Ophthalmologists in all patients who have taken hydroxychloroquine for longer than 5 years, to screen for retinopathy.
What T-score is consistent with osteoporosis?
<-2.5
What scan is used to assess fracture risk?
DEXA scan
What are the indications for offering a DXA scan in patients?
> 50 years + fragility fracture history
<40 years + major risk factor for fragility fracture
What does the QFracture/FRAX assess for?
The 10-year risk for developing a fracture
A Q fracture of >% indicates a DEXA scan?
> 10%
What parameters are adjusted for in a Z-score?
Age, ethnicity, and Sex
What is the first line medical management for osteoporosis?
1st line: Alendronate 10 mg OD or 70 mg OW
* Consider prescribing bisphosphonates to patients taking high doses of oral corticosteroids (>7.5 mg prednisolone daily for 3 months or longer).
What is the mechanism of bisphosphonates?
Inhibits osteoclast activity
What are the upper gastrointestinal adverse effects associated with bisphosphonates?
Oesophageal reactions including oesophagitis and ulcers
What is the maximum period of time to take alendronic acid?
10 years
Maximum duration of risedronate therapy?
7 years
What is the main cause of osteomalacia?
Vitamin D deficiency
Which drugs cause osteomalacia?
anticonvulsants (e.g., carbamazepine, phenobarbital, and phenytoin), corticosteroids and antacids.
What type of gait is observed in osteomalacia?
Waddling gait
Diagnosis for the following:
- Bone profile: Calcium (LOW), phosphate (LOW), ALP (Raised), PTH (Raised).
- Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level – Low
Osteomalacia
What are the X-ray findings observed in osteomalacia?
oss of cortical bones, Looser’s zones (pseudofractures), cupped metaphysis in rickets
What is the first line management for osteomalacia?
1st line: Vitamin D3 supplements with an oral antiresorptive agent, maintenance therapy (800-2000 IU daily).
What is Paget’s disease?
Paget’s disease is characterised as a localised disorder of bone marked by uncontrolled bone turnover (excessive osteoclastic resorption and increased osteoblastic activity) expanded, weakened bone with sclerotic and lytic areas.
What marker is raised in Paget’s disease?
Isolated raised ALP
A blade of grass lesions and ‘cotton wool’ skull pattern is associated with what disease?
Paget’s disease
What is the management for Paget’s disease?
- Zoledronic acid IV 5 mg
What is the first line management for Paget’s disease?
Analgesia with NSAIDs and paracetamol.
How tender points are required for a diagnosis of fibromyalgia?
At least 11 of the 18 points
Minimum duration for fibromyalgia diagnosis?
3 months
What two factors are associated with the pathogenesis of cervical spondylosis?
Osteophyte formation
Facet joint arthropathy
Clumsiness in the hands, radicular pain and paraesthesia/weakness in the upper limbs is consistent with what diagnosis?
Cervical spondylosis
What is the gold-standard imaging for the diagnosis of cervical spondylosis?
MRI
What is the first-line imaging for cervical spondylosis?
X-ray
What is the first line medical management for cervical spondylosis?
Analgesia (NSAID)
Cervical collar
What is preserved in PMR?
Muscle strength
What is the classic presentation of PMR?
Bilateral shoulder and/or pelvic girdle pain
How long does stiffness persist for in PMR and when?
- Stiffness >45 minutes upon waking or periods of prolonged rest.
What disease is associated with PMR?
Giant Cell arteritis
What is the first line investigation for suspected PMR?
ESR (>40 mm/h)
What is the first line management for PMR?
Oral prednisolone (15 mg OD) - continue treatment for 3-4 weeks once remission is achieved
Joint deformity associated with a neuropathic joint is consistent with what diagnosis?
Charcot joint
Which rule is used to assess for cervical spine injury?
Canadian C-spine rule
What three high-risk features for cervical spine injury?
- Age 65 years or older,
- Dangerous mechanism of injury (fall from a height >1 m or 5 steps, axial load to the head e.g., diving, high-speed motor vehicle collision, ejection from motor vehicle, horse riding accidents, bicycle collision.
- Paraesthesia in the upper or lower limbs.
What is the first line management for cervical spine injury?
In-spine immobilisation
What is the first line pain relief for spinal injury?
IV morphine
What is a flail chest?
2 or more rib fractures along 3 consecutive ribs
What is the management for flail chest?
Invasive ventilation and surgical fixation
What is the first line pain management for rib fractures?
Analgesia
What is the 2nd line pain management for rib fractures?
Nerve blocks
What three screening questions should be asked during a GALS examination?
- Do you have any pain, swelling, or stiffness in your muscles, joints or back?
- Can you dress yourself completely without any difficulty?
- Can you walk up and down the stairs without any difficulty?