Rheumatology Flashcards
What 4 key x-ray changes can be seen in patients with osteoarthritis?
(HINT: LOSS)
L - loss of joint space
O - osteophytes
S - subchondral sclerosis (increased density of the bone along the joint line)
S - subchondral cysts (fluid-filled holes in the bone, aka geodes)
In osteoarthritis:
- joint pain + stiffness may be worsened by activity, OR
- activity improves symptoms
- joint pain + stiffness may be worsened by activity
In which joints do Heberden’s nodes form?
- DIP joints
- PIP joints
- MCP joints
- DIP joints
In which joints do Bouchard’s nodes form?
- DIP joints
- PIP joints
- MCP joints
- PIP joints
How is osteoarthritis diagnosed?
= can be made without investigations if,
- patient > 45
- has typical activity related pain
- has no morning stiffness OR, stiffness lasting < 30 mins
Management options for osteoarthritis (5)
- patient education
- physiotherapy
- stepwise analgesia to control symptoms
- intra-articular steroid injections
- joint replacement
In the stepwise analgesia approach to control symptoms in osteoarthritis, what is used first?
= oral paracetamol and topic NSAIDs OR, topical capsaicin (chilli pepper extract)
What is capsaicin? and what is it used for?
= chilli pepper extract,
in osteoarthritis
Which joints are most typically affected by rheumatoid arthritis?
- DIP joints
- PIP + MCP joints
- PIP + MCP joints
What is Rugger Jersey Spine? and what is it associated with?
= osteosclerosis associated with secondary hyperparathyroidism of chronic renal failure
Which of the following best describes bone changes associated with ‘osteoporosis’?
- deficient matrix, normal mineralisation
- normal matrix, deficient mineralisation
- normal matrix, normal mineralisation, increased reabsorption
- deficient matrix, normal mineralisation
Which of the following best describes bone changes associated with ‘osteomalacia’?
- deficient matrix, normal mineralisation
- normal matrix, deficient mineralisation
- normal matrix, normal mineralisation, increased reabsorption
- normal matrix, deficient mineralisation
Which of the following best describes bone changes associated with ‘hyperparathyroidism’?
- deficient matrix, normal mineralisation
- normal matrix, deficient mineralisation
- normal matrix, normal mineralisation, increased reabsorption
- normal matrix, normal mineralisation, increased reabsorption
What is osteoporosis?
= condition where there is a reduction in the density of bones
Effect of oestrogen on bones?
= essential to bone health because it promotes the activity of osteoblasts
(protective against osteoporosis)
What is FRAX tool used for? and what does it calculate?
= used in assessing risk of osteoporosis
gives prediction of the risk of fragility fracture over the next 10 years
When assessing bone density, which of the following scores is more clinically relevant?
- Z-score
- T-score
- T-score
When doing a DEXA scan to assess bone density, where is a key location to scan for classification + management of osteoporosis?
= hip
First-line pharmacological treatment for osteoporosis?
= Bisphosphonates
Side effects of Bisphophonates (3)
- reflux + oesophageal erosions
- atypical fractures
- osteonecrosis: of jaw + external auditory canal
Alendronate, Risedronate + Zoledronic acid are all examples of?
= Bisphosphonates
What is osteoarthritis?
= referred to as ‘wear and tear’ in the joints, usually synovial joints and as a result of genetic factors, overuse and injury
If oral paracetamol, topical NSAIDs or topical capsaicin does not work what is the next step, in the stepwise analgesia?
= add oral NSAIDs, consider PPI to protect stomach
What is the 3rd step in analgesia to control symptoms in osteoarthritis? (after oral NSAIDs + PPIs)
= consider opiates (cautiously as Sessions include: dependence + withdrawal)
What is rheumatoid arthritis?
= autoimmune condition that causes chronic inflammation of the syndical lining of joints, tendon sheaths + bursa
Does rheumatoid tend to be symmetrical or symmetrical?
= symmetrical
Is rheumatoid arthritis more common in men or women?
= women
Genetic associations with rheumatoid arthritis (2)
- HLA DR4
- HLA DR1
Antibodies which can be measured if rheumatoid arthritis is suspected?
- rheumatoid factor (RF)
- anti-CCP antibodies
Which of the following antibodies is more sensitive + specific to rheumatoid arthritis:
- rheumatoid factor
- anti-CCP antibodies
- anti-CCP antibodies
Systemic features associated with rheumatoid arthritis? (4)
- fatigue
- weight loss
- flu-like weakness
- muscle aches + weakness
What is Palindromic Rheumatism?
= rare type of inflammatory arthritis, where symptoms like those of rheumatoid arthritis – joint inflammation, pain and swelling – come on suddenly and then disappear just as quickly
What is atlantoaxial subluxation?
= radiologically identified increased mobility or laxity between the body of the first cervical vertebra (atlas) and the odontoid process of the second cervical vertebra (axis)
Rheumatoid arthritis - classical signs in the hands (4)
- Z-shaped deformity to thumb
- Swan neck deformity (hyperextended PIP and flexed DIP)
- Boutonnieres deformity (hyperextended DIP with flexed PIP)
- Ulnar deviation of the fingers at the knuckle (MCP joints)
What is psoriatic arthritis?
= inflammatory arthritis associated with psoriasis
Extra-articular manifestations associated with psoriatic arthritis? (2)
- uveitis
- IBD
What is arthritis mutilans? and what does it cause?
= most severe form of psoriatic arthritis, commonly affects phalanges
Osteolysis of the bones around the joint, leads to progressive shortening of the digits
What is PEST?
= Psoriasis Epidemiological Screening Tool - screening tool for psoriatic arthritis in patients with psoriasis
What does a ‘pencil-in-cup’ appearance on x-ray suggest?
= psoriatic arthritis, particular association with arthritis mutilans
Classic triad of reactive arthritis
- conjunctivitis
- urethritis
- arthritis
HINT: can’t see, pee or climb in a tree
Important differential to exclude in patient with reactive arthritis
= septic arthritis
What is reactive arthritis?
= involves synovitis in 1 or more joints in response to an infective trigger
Common triggers of reactive arthritis (2)
- gastroenteritis
- sexually transmitted infection
Which of the following sexually transmitted infection is most likely to cause reactive arthritis?
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhoea
- Chlamydia
(Gonorrhoea typically causes septic arthritis)
Investigation for reactive arthritis
= joint aspiration - synovial fluid sent for microscopy, culture and sensitivity testing
What is ankylosing spondylitis?
= inflammatory condition affecting the facial skeleton (mainly spine + sacroiliac joints) - causing stiffness and pain
Which gene is strongly associated with ankylosing spondylitis?
= HLA-B27 gene
Is ankylosing spondylitis more common in men or women?
= men
In ankylosing spondylitis does the pain
- improve with rest
- improve with activity
- improve with activity
What joints are mostly affected by ankylosing spondylitis? (2)
= vertebrae column joints + sacroiliac joints
5As - associations of ankylosing spondylitis
- anterior uveitis
- aortic regurgitation
- AV block (heart block)
- apical lung fibrosis (fibrosis of upper lobes)
- anaemia of chronic disease
What is Schober’s Test used for?
= assess spinal mobility
What is ‘bamboo spine’ a typical x-ray finding for?
= ankylosing spondylitis
First-line pharmacological management for ankylosing spondylitis?
= NSAIDs
Patient presents with malar rash which is ‘butterfly’ shaped across the nose + cheeks. What is the diagnosis?
= systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
What is Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)?
= inflammatory autoimmune connective tissue disorder
Is SLE more common in men or women?
= women
Anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) are associated with what condition?
= Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
Which of the following antibodies are associated with Sjögren’s syndrome:
- anti-Ro and anti-La
- anti-Scl-70
- anti-Jo-1
- anti-Ro and anti-La