MuscleSkeleton and roomatology 2 Flashcards
What is osteoarthritis?
Non-inflammatory wear and tear of joints resulting from loss of cartilage
Describe the epidemiology of osteoarthritis
- Most common type of arthritis- More common in females- More common in elderly
What are 6 risk factors for osteoarthritis?
- Obesity2. Age3. Female4. Family history5. Trauma6. Occupations associated with manual labour
Describe the pathophysiology of osteoarthritis
- Imbalance between cartilage being worn down and the chondrocytes replacing it- Usually occurs in larger, weight-bearing synovial joints e.g. hips and knees
What are 3 common symptoms of osteoarthritis?
- Joint pain exacerbated by exercise2. Joint stiffness after rest (transient in morning)3. Reduced functionality (limited joint movement)
What are 2 additional symptoms of osteoarthritis?
Bone swellings in fingers:- Herberden’s node (in distal interphalangeal joints)- Bouchard’s node (in proximal interphalangeal joints)
What is the investigation for patients with osteoarthritis and the 4 most common findings?
X ray (LOSS):- L - loss of joint space- O - osteophytes formation- S - subchondral sclerosis (increased density of bone along joint)- S - subchondral cysts (fluid-filled holes in bone)
What is the treatment for osteoarthritis?
- Pain relief (start with paracetamol and work up analgesics ladder)- Cortisol injections- Physiotherapy- Weight loss- Joint replacement (must lose weight)
What is the difference between pain in patients with osteoarthritis vs rheumatoid arthritis?
Osteoarthritis - worse during/after exerciseRheumatoid arthritis - better during/after exercise
What is rheumatoid arthritis?
Autoimmune inflammation of synovial joints - symmetrical polyarthritis
Describe the epidemiology of rheumatoid arthritis
- More common in females (3:1)- Most often develops younger/middle age
What are 4 risk factors for rheumatoid arthritis?
- Genetics - HLA DR4 gene (often present in RF positive patients)2. Genetics - HLA DR1 (often present in RA patients)3. Rheumatoid factor (RF)4. Cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies (anti-CCP)
What does rheumatoid factor (RF) do?
Autoantibody that targets Fc portion of IgG antibody, triggering activation of the immune system
Describe the pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis
- Autoimmune destruction of synovium - Inflammation causes damage to bone cartilage, tendons and ligaments- Most common joints affected are PIP joints and MCP joints (HARDLY EVER DIP JOINTS - if these are affected, it is usually always osteoarthritis)
What are 5 signs of rheumatoid arthritis?
- ‘Boggy’ feeling when palpating synovium around joints2. Z-shaped deformity of thumb3. Swan neck deformity (hyperextended PIP with flexed DIP)4. Boutonnieres deformity (hyperextended DIP with flexed PIP)5. Ulnar deviation of fingers at knuckle
What are 5 symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis?
- Joint pain/swelling/stiffness (pain worse after rest/in the mornings and improves with activity)2. Fatigue3. Weight loss4. Flu-like illness5. Muscle aches/weakness
What is palindromic rheumatism?
- Self-limiting short episodes of inflammatory arthritis with joint pain/stiffness/swelling- Lasts 1-2 days and then completely resolves itself- May progress to full RA (greater risk if have RF and anti-CCP antibodies)
What are 2 investigations for patients with rheumatoid arthritis?
- X-ray2. Bloods
What does an x-ray show in patients with rheumatoid arthritis?
LOSE:
- L - lost joint space
- O - osteopenia (reduced bone density)
- S - soft tissue swelling
- E - erosion
What do bloods show in patients with rheumatoid arthritis?
- Anti-CCP antibodies (more sensitive and specific than RF)- RF- Raised ESR/CRP
What is the treatment for rheumatoid arthritis?
- Physiotherapy- Ibuprofen/NSAIDs- Steroids- Methotrexate- Rituximab (if others not working)
What are 3 complications of rheumatoid arthritis?
- Atlantoaxial subluxation –> cervical spinal cord compression2. Inflammation of tendons increases risk of tendon rupture3. Lung involvement e.g. interstitial lung disease, fibrosis etc.
Describe atlantoaxial subluxation
- Local synovitis and damage to ligaments and bursa around odontoid peg of axis (C2) and atlas (C1)- This causes the axis (C2) and odontoid peg to shift within the atlas (C1)- Subluxation causes cervical spinal cord compression (weakness/loss of sensation) and is an EMERGENCY
What must be excluded when investigating patients with gout/pseudogout?
Septic arthritis (life threatening - medical emergency)
What is the difference between gout and pseudogout?
Both crystal arthropathiesGout - deposition of monosodium urate crystals within jointsPseudogout - deposition of calcium pyrophosphate crystals within joints
What is crystal arthropathy/arthritis?
Joint disorder caused by deposits of crystals in joints and soft tissues around them
Describe the difference in epidemiology between gout and pseudogout
Gout - more common in malesPseudogout - more common in females
What are 7 risk factors for gout?
- Male2. Obesity3. High purine diet (meat/seafood)4. Alcohol5. Diuretics6. Existing CVD/kidney disease7. Family history
What are 4 risk factors for pseudogout?
- Hyperthyroidism2. Hyperparathyroidism3. Excess iron/calcium4. Female
Describe the pathophysiology of gout
- Deposition of monosodium urate crystals within joints- Most affected joints are metatarsophalangeal/carpometacarpal joints and wrists
Describe the pathophysiology of pseudogout
- Damage to joints causes deposition of calcium pyrophosphate crystals within joints- Most affected joints are knees, shoulders, wrists and hips
What is the main sign of gout?
Gouty tophi:- Subcutaneous deposits of uric acid- Most commonly in small joints (DIP joints) and connective tissue of hands, elbows and ears
What is the main symptom of gout and pseudogout?
Hot, swollen, painful, stiff joint (gout - 1st metatarsal/DIP joint, pseudogout - knee)
What are 3 investigations for patients with gout and pseudogout?
- Joint aspiration (both)2. X-ray (both)3. Bloods (gout)
Describe the difference in joint aspiration results between gout and pseudogout
- No bacterial growth (both)- Monosodium crystals (gout)/calcium pyrophosphate crystals (pseudogout)- Crystals are needle shaped (gout)/rhomboid shaped (pseudogout)- Birefringence (under polarised light) = negative (gout), positive (pseudogout)
What do bloods show in patients with gout?
Hyperuricaemia
What does an x-ray look like in patients with gout?
- Space between joint is typically maintained- Lytic lesions in bone- Punched out erosions (which may have sclerotic borders with overhanging edges)
What does an x-ray look like in patients with pseudogout?
- Chondrocalcinosis (thin white line in the middle of the joint space due to calcium deposition)- LOSS (loss of joint space, osteophytes, subarticular sclerosis, subchondral cysts)
What is the treatment for gout?
- Lifestyle changes (e.g. losing weight, staying hydrated, reducing alcohol/purine-based food intake)- NSAIDs (first line)- Colchicine- Allopurinol
What is the treatment for pseudogout?
Symptoms usually resolve spontaneously over several weeksSymptomatic management:- NSAIDs- Colchicine- Joint aspiration- Steroid injections/oral steroids- Joint washout (arthrocentesis - in severe cases)
When is colchicine used in patients with gout/pseudogout?
Used in patients that cannot have NSAIDs e.g. patients with renal impairment or significant heart disease
What is allopurinol and what does it do?
Xanthine oxidase inhibitor - reduces uric acid production
What are 2 complications of gout?
- Infection in gouty tophi2. Destruction of joint
What is osteoporosis/osteopenia?
Osteoporosis - reduction in bone densityOsteopenia - less severe reduction in bone density than osteoporosis
Describe the epidemiology of osteoporosis/osteopenia
- More common in females- More common in elderly
What are 9 risk factors for osteoporosis/osteopenia?
SHATTERED:S - steroid useH - hyperthyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, hypercalciuriaA - alcohol/tobacco useT - thin (BMI <18.5)T - testosterone lowE - early menopauseR - renal/liver failureE - erosive/inflammatory bone diseaseD - dietary low calcium/malabsorption & Diabetes type I
What are 4 other groups of medications that can increase the risk of osteoporosis/osteopenia?
- SSRIs2. PPIs3. Anti-epileptics4. Anti-oestrogens
Describe the pathophysiology of osteoporosis/osteopenia
- Decreased bone mass/density and micro-architectural deterioration- Increase in bone fragility and susceptibility to fracture
What are 2 investigations for patients with osteoporosis/osteopenia?
- FRAX score 2. Bone mineral density (BMD) using DEXA (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry) scan
What does a FRAX score tell us?
Predicts the risk of a major osteoporotic or hip fracture over the next 10 years
DEXA scans look at BMD and calculate a Z score and a T score, what is a Z score?
Tells us the number of standard deviations that a patient’s bone density falls below the mean for their age
DEXA scans look at BMD and calculate a Z score and a T score, what is a T score?
Tells us the number of standard deviations that a patient’s bone density falls below the mean for a healthy young adult T score at hip:- >-1 = normal- -1 to -2.5 = osteopenia- <-2.5 = osteoporosis
What is the treatment for osteoporosis/osteopenia?
- Lifestyle changes (exercise, maintain healthy weight, avoid falls, smoking cessation, reducing alcohol consumption)- Vitamin D and calcium supplements- Bisphosphonates e.g. alendronate, risendronate, zolendronic acid- Denosumab (alternative to bisphosphonates)- HRT
What do bisphosphonates do?
Interfere with osteoclasts and reduce their activity which slows down the breakdown of bone (slows down bone reabsorption)
What are 4 key side effects of bisphosphonates?
- Reflux and oesophageal erosions2. Atypical fractures3. Osteonecrosis of jaw4. Osteonecrosis of external auditory canal
How are reflux and oesophageal erosions prevented in patients taking bisphosphonates?
Patients advised to take them on an empty stomach, sitting upright for 30 minutes before moving/eating
What is fibromyalgia?
Chronic persistent musculoskeletal pain with unknown cause (non-specific muscular disorder)
Describe the epidemiology of fibromyalgia
- More common in women- Usually presents around ages 20-50- More common in people with poorer socioeconomic statuses
What are 8 risk factors/associations for fibromyalgia?
- Female2. Middle aged3. Low household income4. Divorced5. IBS6. Chronic headache7. Depression8. Chronic fatigue syndrome
What are 4 symptoms of fibromyalgia?
- Fatigue2. Brain fog3. Pain (worse with stress and cold weather)4. Morning stiffness
What are 2 investigations for patients with fibromyalgia?
- Exclude all other differentials with bloods and imaging2. 11 tender points in 9 pairs of sites for >6 months
What is the treatment for fibromyalgia?
- Exercise- Relaxation- Analgesia e.g. paracetamol, tramadol, codeine- CBT- TCAs e.g. amitriptyline- Pregabalin (anti-convulsant)
What are 4 complications of fibromyalgia?
- Worse quality of life2. Anxiety/depression3. Insomnia4. Opiate addiction
What is Sjogren’s syndrome?
Autoimmune destruction of exocrine glands (especially lacrimal and salivary glands)
Describe the epidemiology of Sjogren’s syndrome
More common in females
What are 3 causes of Sjogren’s syndrome?
Primary = idiopathicSecondary = develops as a complication of SLE or RA
What are 3 risk factors for Sjogren’s syndrome?
- Family history (first degree relative = 7x increased risk)2. Female3. >40 years
What is the main symptom of Sjogren’s syndrome?
Dry mucous membranes i.e. dry mouth/eyes/vagina
What are 2 investigations for patients with Sjogren’s syndrome?
- Anti-Ro and anti-La antibodies2. Schirmer test (tears travel <10mm on filter paper = lack of tears)
What is the treatment for Sjogren’s syndrome?
- Artificial tears/saliva- Vaginal lubricants- Hydroxychloroquine (used to halt progression)
What are 3 common complications of Sjogren’s syndrome?
- Eye infections (conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers)2. Oral problems (dental cavities, candida infections)3. Vaginal problems (candidiasis, sexual dysfunction)
What are 5 rare complications of Sjogren’s syndrome?
- Pneumonia and bronchiectasis2. Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma3. Peripheral neuropathy4. Vasculitis5. Renal impairment
What is vasculitis?
Autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of the blood vessel walls
What are the 4 types of small vessel vasculitis?
- Henoch-Schonlein Purpura (HSP)2. Microscopic polyangiitis3. Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegner’s granulomatosis)4. Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Churg-Straus syndrome)
What are the 3 types of medium vessel vasculitis?
- Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Churg-Straus syndrome)2. Polyarteritis nodosa3. Kawasaki disease
What are the 2 types of large vessel vasculitis?
- Giant cell arteritis2. Takayasu’s arteritis
What are 3 general signs of vasculitis?
- Renal impairment2. Anterior uveitis and scleritis3. Hypertension
What are 4 general symptoms of vasculitis?
- Purpura2. Joint/muscle pain3. Peripheral neuropathy4. GI disturbances (diarrhoea, bleeding, abdominal pain)
What are 5 systemic presentations of vasculitis?
- Fever2. Malaise3. Fatigue4. Weight loss/anorexia5. Anaemia
What investigation is usually done for all types of vasculitis?
Bloods = inflammatory markers ESR and CRP = raised
What is the standard treatment for vasculitis?
Corticosteroids and immunosuppressants e.g. prednisolone + cyclophosphamide
What are the main steroid options for vasculitis?
- Oral e.g. prednisolone- IV e.g. hydrocortisone- Nasal spray for nasal symptoms- Inhaled for lung involvement
What are the main immunosuppressant options for vasculitis?
- Cyclophosphamide- Methotrexate- Azathioprine- Rituximab (and other monoclonal antibodies)
Which 2 types of vasculitis are usually treated differently and why?
Henoch-Schonlein Purpura (HSP) and Kawasaki disease –> most often affects children
What is Henoch-Schonlein Purpura (HSP)?
Small vessel vasculitis that occurs due to IgA deposits in blood vessels
Describe the epidemiology of HSP
Commonly presents in children <10 years
Describe the pathophysiology of HSP
- IgA deposits in the blood vessels of organs e.g. skin, kidneys, GI tract- Often triggered by gastroenteritis or an upper airway infection (e.g. tonsilitis)
What are 4 clinical presentations of HSP?
- Symmetrical purpura on lower limbs/buttocks2. Joint pain3. Abdominal pain4. Renal involvement (HTN)
What is the treatment for HSP?
- Typically supportive e.g. analgesia, rest, hydration- Patients without kidney involvement usually recover within 4-6 weeks
What are 2 complications of HSP?
- 1/3 of patients have a recurrence within 6 months2. 1% of patients go on to develop end stage renal failure
What is microscopic polyangiitis?
A type of small vessel vasculitis
What are 3 clinical presentations of microscopic polyangiitis?
- Renal failure (main feature)2. Shortness of breath3. Haemoptysis
What are 2 investigations for microscopic polyangiitis?
- Perinuclear anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (p-ANCA) blood tests (a.k.a anti-MPO antibodies)2. No granulomas on histology
What is granulomatosis with polyangiitis?
Small vessel vasculitis that affects the respiratory tract and kidneys
What is granulomatosis with polyangiitis also known as?
Wegener’s Granulomatosis
What are 5 clinical presentations of granulomatosis with polyangiitis in the upper respiratory tract?
- Saddle-shaped nose (due to perforated nasal septum - MAIN SIGN)2. Epistaxis3. Crusty nasal secretions4. Hearing loss5. Sinusitis
What are 4 clinical presentations of granulomatosis with polyangiitis in the lungs/kidneys?
- Cough2. Wheezing3. Haemoptysis 4. Rapidly progressing glomerulonephritis(Often misdiagnosed as pneumonia in lungs)
What are 2 investigations for granulomatosis with polyangiitis?
- Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies antibodies (c-ANCA) blood tests (a.k.a anti-PR3 antibodies)2. Histology shows granulomas
What is eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis?
Small and medium vessel vasculitis most often associated with lung and skin problems (can also affect kidneys)
What is eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis also known as?
Churg-Straus syndrome
Describe the epidemiology of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis
Usually presents in late teenage years/early adulthood
What is a clinical presentation of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis?
Severe asthma
What are 2 investigations for eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis?
- Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (p-ANCA) blood tests (a.k.a anti-MPO antibodies)2. FBC = elevated eosinophil levels
What is polyarteritis nodosa?
Medium vessel vasculitis that affects the skin, GI tract, kidneys and heart
Describe the epidemiology of polyarteritis nodosa
- Associated with hepatitis B (also Hep C/HIV)- More common in developing countries
What are 5 clinical presentations of polyarteritis nodosa?
- Livedo reticularis (mottled purple rash)2. Cutaneous/subcut nodules3. Unilateral orchitis4. Abdominal pain5. Hypertension
What are 2 investigations for polyarteritis nodosa?
- HbsAg2. Biopsy = shows transmural fibrinoid necrosis
What is the treatment for polyarteritis nodosa?
- Hep B negative = usual vasculitis treatment- Hep B positive = antiviral agent, plasma exchange and corticosteroids
What are 5 complications of polyarteritis nodosa?
- Renal impairment2. Stroke3. Myocardial infarction4. GI perforation and haemorrhages5. Arthritis
What is Kawasaki Disease?
Medium vessel vasculitis (arteritis) associated with mucocutaneous lymph nodes
Describe the epidemiology of Kawasaki Disease
- Commonly presents ages <5 years2. 1.5 x more common in males3. More common in children of Japanese descent
What are 2 risk factors for Kawasaki Disease?
- Male2. Japanese
What does Kawasaki Disease most commonly affect?
Coronary arteries
What are 4 clinical presentations of Kawasaki Disease?
- Fever for >5 days2. Non-purulent bilateral conjunctivitis3. Strawberry tongue4. Erythema and desquamation (skin peeling) of palms and soles
What is an investigation for Kawasaki Disease?
Echo
What is the treatment for Kawasaki Disease?
Aspirin and IV immunoglobulins
What is a complication of Kawasaki Disease?
Coronary artery aneurysm
What is giant cell arteritis?
Large vessel vasculitis (arteritis) that affects the aorta and/or its major branches (carotid and vertebral arteries)
What is Takayasu’s arteritis?
Large vessel vasculitis (arteritis) that mainly affects the aorta and its branches (also pulmonary arteries - a.k.a pulseless disease)
What is the difference between giant cell arteritis and Takayasu’s arteritis?
Very similar - Takayasu’s arteritis usually affects younger patients (<40 years) than giant cell arteritis (>50 years)
Describe the epidemiology of giant cell arteritis
- 2-3 x more common in females- More common in people of Northern European descent- Often presents in patients >50 years