Rheumatology

Question 1

Polymyalgia Rheumatica

Answer 1

pain, stiffness and inflammation in shoulders, neck, back and hips. Usually worse in the morning and treated with prednisolone

Question 2

Polymyositis

Answer 2

Inflammatory condition causing breakdown of the muscles. Complications arise from extreme muscle weakness, difficulty swallowing, aspiration pneumonia, and breathing difficulties. Steroids and biologics can help but there is no cure

Question 3

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Answer 3

Long-term autoimmune inflammatory condition that causes bilateral red rashes, extreme tiredness, joint and muscle aches, sensitivity to light, and headaches. Severe lupus can cause inflammation to the heart, lungs, brain or kidneys and can be life-threatening

Tx - steroids, NSAIDs, immunosuppressives

Question 4

Sarcoidosis

Answer 4

rare condition causing clumps of granulomatous tissues to form in organs, with sx reflecting the organs affected. Most commonly affects lungs and skin