Orthopedics and Rheumatology Flashcards
12% of Internal Medicine EORE
What is Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
- History of previous extremity injury, fracture, or surgery
- More common in women, mean age of 40yrs
- Pain > 6 months
- Sx and findings: light touch causes extreme pain, allodynia, autonomic changes, alterations in skin appearance, motor symptoms
- Tx options include physical therapy, NSAIDs, amitriptyline, gabapentin, nerve blocks
What other co-morbid conditions are associated with fibromyalgia?
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Hypothyroidism
- Sleep apnea
Describe the clinical manifestations of fibromyalgia?
Clinical manifestations include
* diffuse pain that is worse in the morning,
* extreme fatigue
* stiffness
* painful and tender joints
* SLEEP DISTURBANCES
Symptoms often worsened with physical and psychological stress
What medication class is typically used to treat fibromyalgia?
Anticonvulsants (pregabalin/gabapentin)
The FDA has approved three drugs to treat fibromyalgia: the antidepressants duloxetine (Cymbalta) and milnacipran (Savella), plus the anti-seizure medicine pregabalin (Lyrica)
A 35-year-old woman with a confirmed diagnosis of fibromyalgia presents to your clinic with worsening symptoms of pain, fatigue, and cognitive difficulties. She reports that her symptoms have not improved with over-the-counter NSAIDs. She also notes feeling more depressed over the last few months.
Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in the management of this patient?
A) Increase NSAID dosage
B) Start a low-dose tricyclic antidepressant
C) Prescribe opioids for pain relief
D) Refer to physical therapy and recommend aerobic exercise
Start a low-dose tricyclic antidepressant
A 42-year-old woman presents with a 2-year history of diffuse musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and unrefreshing sleep. She has a history of depression but is otherwise healthy. Physical examination reveals tenderness in 14 of the 18 tender points commonly associated with fibromyalgia. Laboratory tests, including a complete blood count, comprehensive metabolic panel, and thyroid function tests, are within normal limits.
Which of the following criteria is used to diagnose fibromyalgia?
A) Tender points
B) Elevated inflammatory markers
C) Muscle biopsy findings
D) Neurological imaging findings
Tender Points
What antinuclear antibody pattern is most commonly associated with Sjögren syndrome?
Speckled
A 25-year-old man presents to the clinic with concerns about pain in both eyes, right knee pain, and burning in his genitalia. He reports he is sexually active and recently was treated with antibiotics for a sexually transmitted infection. On physical exam, you note bilateral conjunctivitis, erythema of the right knee, and tenderness over the joint line of the knee. Genital examination reveals urethral irritation present at the meatus. Vitals are within normal limits. Which allele is implicated in the most likely diagnosis?
A. Human leukocyte antigen B27
B. Human leukocyte antigen B47
C. Human leukocyte antigen DR2
D. Human leukocyte antigen DR3
Human leukocyte antigen B27 (HLA-27)
What is the most commonly affected joint in gout?
The first metatarsophalangeal joint (big toe), also known as podagra
Which type of crystals are found in synovial fluid analysis of a gout patient?
Needle-shaped, negatively birefringent monosodium urate crystals
What lifestyle modification can help reduce gout attacks?
Reducing intake of purine-rich foods (e.g., red meat, seafood) and alcohol
Which medication inhibits xanthine oxidase to reduce uric acid production in gout?
What patient education must be done prior to prescribing?
Allopurinol
It may make gout worse at first. Rash is the m/c side effect.
What type of crystals are associated with pseudogout?
Which joint is most commonly affected by pseudogout?
Rhomboid-shaped, positively birefringent calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) crystals
Knee
Name a common risk factor for developing pseudogout
Advanced age or metabolic disorders like hyperparathyroidism or hypothyroidism
What is the radiographic finding characteristic of pseudogout?
Chondrocalcinosis (cartilage calcification)
What is the initial treatment for an acute pseudogout flare?
NSAIDs
A 52-year-old man presents with sudden onset of excruciating pain in his right big toe. The area is red, swollen, and tender to touch. He admits to consuming excessive beer and red meat over the weekend. Synovial fluid analysis reveals needle-shaped, negatively birefringent crystals. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial treatment?
A) Allopurinol
B) Indomethacin
C) Colchicine
D) Probenecid
Indomethacin
NSAIDs like indomethacin are first-line treatments for acute gout attacks. Allopurinol and probenecid are used for long-term management. Colchicine is an alternative if NSAIDs are contraindicated
A 70-year-old woman complains of acute pain and swelling in her left knee. She has a history of hypothyroidism and hemochromatosis. Joint aspiration shows rhomboid-shaped, positively birefringent crystals. What is the most likely diagnosis?
Pseudogout
The presence of positively birefringent CPPD crystals and chondrocalcinosis on imaging indicates pseudogout, often associated with metabolic disorders like hemochromatosis.
A 65-year-old male with chronic gout is started on allopurinol. Shortly after initiation, he develops a rash and experiences worsening of joint pain. What is the most appropriate next step in management?
A) Increase the dose of allopurinol
B) Switch to febuxostat
C) Discontinue allopurinol
D) Add colchicine to the regimen
Discontinue allopurinol
The development of a rash suggests a hypersensitivity reaction to allopurinol, which can be severe. The medication should be discontinued immediately.
A patient presents with joint pain in the wrists and knees. Imaging reveals chondrocalcinosis. Laboratory tests show normal uric acid levels. Synovial fluid analysis reveals CPPD crystals. Which underlying condition is most commonly associated with this presentation?
A) Hyperparathyroidism
B) Diabetes mellitus
C) Rheumatoid arthritis
D) Systemic lupus erythematosus
Hyperparathyroidism
A 58-year-old woman with a history of chronic kidney disease presents with an acute gout flare. Which medication is contraindicated for her acute management?
A) Prednisone
B) Colchicine
C) Indomethacin
D) Acetaminophen
Indomethacin
NSAIDs like indomethacin are contraindicated in patients with renal impairment. Alternative treatments include low-dose steroids or colchicine.
What is the most commonly affected joint pattern in rheumatoid arthritis?
Symmetrical involvement of small joints (wrist, MCP, PIP, MTP).
Spares the DIP
What is the hallmark laboratory test for diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis?
What imaging finding is characteristic of long standing RA?
Positive rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies
**Anti-CCP most specific **
Symmetric joint space narrowing and erosions
What is the first-line disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis?
What is the MOA? And what supplement needs to be initiated with its use?
Methotrexate
Folic antagonist - must initiate supplementation of folic acid
A 42-year-old woman presents with morning stiffness lasting over an hour, pain, and swelling in her hands and wrists. The symptoms have been present for six months, and she reports fatigue and occasional low-grade fevers. Physical exam reveals tenderness and swelling in the metacarpophalangeal joints. Which of the following is the most specific laboratory finding for her suspected diagnosis?
A) Elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
B) Positive anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies
C) Positive antinuclear antibody (ANA)
D) Elevated C-reactive protein (CRP)
Positive anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies
Anti-CCP antibodies are highly specific for rheumatoid arthritis and are considered more specific than rheumatoid factor (RF) for diagnosing RA.
A 56-year-old male with long-standing rheumatoid arthritis presents for routine follow-up. He reports increasing shortness of breath over the past few months. His medications include methotrexate and prednisone. Pulmonary examination reveals bibasilar crackles. Chest X-ray shows reticular opacities at the lung bases. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A) Pneumonia
B) Rheumatoid lung disease
C) Pulmonary embolism
D) Bronchitis
Rheumatoid lung disease
Interstitial lung disease is a known extra-articular manifestation of RA, particularly in patients with long-standing disease or those on methotrexate
A 60-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis is started on methotrexate. Which of the following laboratory tests should be monitored regularly during her treatment?
A) Creatinine and BUN
B) Liver function tests
C) Serum potassium
D) Lipid panel
Liver function tests
Methotrexate can cause hepatotoxicity, so liver function tests should be monitored regularly during treatment
A 50-year-old female presents with pain and swelling in her hands and wrists for the past eight months. She reports prolonged morning stiffness that improves with activity. Lab results reveal positive rheumatoid factor and elevated ESR. X-ray of the hands shows joint space narrowing and periarticular erosions. What is the next best step in her management?
A) Start ibuprofen
B) Prescribe low-dose prednisone
C) Initiate methotrexate therapy
D) Recommend physical therapy
Initiate methotrexate therapy