rheumatoid arthritis Flashcards
what type of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis ?
inflammatory arthritis
which genes have been associated with an increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis?
HLA halotypes DR4 and DR1 , patients without the genes cannot get rheumatoid arthritis
what is pannus ?
synovial membrane infiltration
which cells produce the RF ?
b cells
what is the clinical picture of RA?
- mainly the affection of the small joints of the hand except the DIP
- symmetrical arthropathy
- effusion, pain and affection of the hand function
what is the arrangement of the cells in pannus formation ?
t-cells and b-cells are in the centre and plasma cells and macrophages in the periphery
what is the most common pattern of presentation in RA?
insidious onset affecting the small joints of the hand and feet progressing to the elbows, shoulders and knees
what is the presentation like in 20% of RA cases ?
abrupt acute polyarthritis
what is palindromic rheumatism ?
variable episodes of polyarthritis ( comes and goes continuously and reaches a point where it doesn’t go anymore)
what are the hand deformities that can be found ?
ulnar deviation of the MCP
radial deviation of wrists
boutonniere deformity of fingers
swan-neck deformity of fingers
z-deformity of thumb
what are the characteristics of swan-neck deformity ?
PIP joint: hyperextension
DIP joint: flexion
what are the characteristics of boutonniere deformity ?
PIP joint: flexion
DIP joint : hyperextension
what is specific about the morning stiffness associated with RA?
lasts for more than one hour and usually decreases with movement
what are the extra articular manifestations found in the skin ?
formation of nodules which develop at sites of pressure
what are the extra articular features found in the eye ?
keratoconjunctivitis sicca ( sjogren’s syndrome )
scleritis
scleromalacia perforans
what are the pulmonary affections associated with RA?
pulmonary nodules
pulmonary fibrosis
Caplan’s syndrome
what is the most common cardiac manifestation in RA?
pericarditis
what are the renal manifestations associated with RA?
renal amyloid
GN ( related to drugs)
what are the neurological complications associated with RA?
cervical cord compression (atlanto-axial)
entrapment neuropathies
peripheral neuropathy
mononeuritis multiplex
what is the presentation of mononeurtitis multiplex ?
nerve of the foot is affected causing a drop foot