Rheumatology Flashcards
What are some causes of acute monoarthritis?
Infection - Staph Aureus/ Streptococcus
Crystal - Gout, Pseudogout
Trauma - Haemarthrosis
What are some causes of chronic monoarthritis?
Infective - TB infection
Inflammatory -
Psoriatic Arthritis
Reactive Arthritis
Foreign body
Non-inflammatory -
Osteoathritis
Trauma e.g meniscal tear
Osteonecrosis
Neuropathic e.g Charcot’s
Tumour
What are some causes of acute polyarthritis?
Inflammatory -
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Psoriatic Arthritis
Reactive Arthritis
Autoimmune - SLE, Vasculitis
Viral - HIV, Parvovirus , Chikungunya
Crystal - Uncontrolled Gout
What are some causes of chronic ( >3 months ) polyarthritis?
Inflammatory - RA, PsA, Reactive Arthritis
Autoimmune - SLE, Vasculitis
Crystal - Uncontrolled Gout
What are some causes of arthritis in the DIPJs ?
Psoriatic Arthritis - nail dystrophy on affected digit
Osteoarthritis - most common ( Heberden’s nodes )
If stiffness in the morning lasts longer than 30 minutes what is it likely to be caused by?
Inflammatory Arthritis
e.g Rheumatoid Arthritis or Psoriatic Arthritis
WHat is spinal stiffness in the early hours of the morning indicative of?
Ankylosing Spondylitis
In what condition is “ Inactivity Gelling” common in?
Osteoarthritis
What conditions do you get dry mouth and/or eyes in?
Sjogren’s syndrome
Rheumatoid Arthritis
What conditions do you get mouth ulcers in?
SLE
Reactive Arthritis
IBD
What condition do you get Iritis in?
Spondyloarthropathies
What conditions do you get Scleritis in?
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis ( GPA )
What conditions do you get visual disturbance in?
Giant Cell Arteritis ( Temporal Arteritis )
SLE ( retinal vasculitis )
What condition do you get Psoriatic plaques and dystrophic nails in?
Psoriatic Arthritis
What conditions do you get Raynaud’s Phenomenon?
SLE
Sjogren’s Syndrome
Scleroderma
What conditions do you get Telangiectasis, Calcinosis and Sclerodactyly in?
Scleroderma
What is Telangiectasis ?
Dilation of capillaries causing them to appear as small red or purple clusters
What is calcinosis?
Deposits of calcium in subcutaneous tissue, muscles and visceral organs
What is Sclerodactyly?
Localized thickening and tightness of the finger skin that cause a claw like appearance and loss of mobility
What deformities occur in Rheumatoid arthritis?
Swan-neck deformity
Boutonniere deformity
Rheumatoid nodules
In what condition do you get Tophi in?
Gout
What are tophi?
Deposits of monosodium urate crystals under the skin
In what conditions do you get digital ulcers?
SLE
Vasculitis
Scleroderma
In what condition do you get malae rash and photosensitivity?
SLE
In what condition do you get Erythema Nodosum?
Acute Sarcoidosis
TB
Streptococcal infections
What is Erythema Nodosum?
Tender red bumps, usually found symmetrically on the shins
In what condition do you get Livedo Reticularis?
SLE
What is Livedo Reticularis?
Netlike pattern of reddish-blue discolouration , looks like mottled skin
In what autoimmune condition do you get alopecia?
SLE
What is alopecia?
Immune system attacks hair follicles leading to bald patches
In what conditions can you get Renal Failure and Hypertension?
SLE
Vasculitis
In what condition can you get renal stones?
Gout
In what conditions can you get Microscopic haematuria +/- proetinuria?
SLE
Vasculitis
In what condition do you get vaginal/urethral discharge?
Reactive or Gonococcal Arthritis
In what condition are you more prone to miscarriages and Pre-Eclampsia ?
SLE
In what condition do patients present with headaches?
Giant Cell Arteritis
What neurological symptoms are you more likely to get with SLE?
Seizures
Headaches
Psychosis
TIA/CVA
What neurological symptoms can patients with Vasculitis have?
Seizures
Mononeuritis Multiplex
What in Mononeuritis Multiplex?
A type of peripheral neuropathy when there is damage to at least two different areas of the peripheral nervous system.
Can cause tingling, numbness, pain and paralysis.
What symptom affecting nerves can a patient with Rheumatoid Arthritis present with?
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
What are the tests to see if a patient has Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Tinel’s Test
Phalen’s Test
What is Tinel’s Test?
Gently tap over the wrist just below the palm
Positive test = if patient feels a tingling , burning or numb sensation in thumb, index, middle and ring fingers
What is Phalen’s Test
Ask patient to place the backs of their hands together at 90 degree angle for 60 seconds
Positive test = tingling, burning or numb sensation in thumb, index, middle and ring fingers
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Compression of the median nerve as it traverses through the wrist via the carpal tunnel
Symptoms are pain and paresthesia in the median nerve distribution ( thumb, index, middle and lateral half of ring finger ) Grip weakness can also develop as median nerve supplies thenar muscles
Which condition presents with peripheral neuropathy?
Polymyositis
What respiratory conditions can SLE present with?
Pleural Effusion
Pericardial Effusion
Alveolitis
Pulmonary Hypertension
Pleuritic Chest Pain
What Respiratory conditions can Rheumatoid Arthritis cause?
Pleural Effusion
Alveolitis
What respiratory conditions/symptoms can Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis causes?
Pulmonary Infiltration
Haemoptysis
Sinusitis
What respiratory condition can Scleroderma present with?
Pulmonary Hypertension
What respiratory symptom can Churg-Straus syndrome ( Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis) present with?
Wheeze
What is Churg-Strauss Syndrome?
Also known as Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis
Inflammatory disease of small and medium sized blood vessels. Has very high Eosinophil count
What is high on an FBC count with Churg-Strauss Sydrome?
Eosinophils
How can Antiphospholipid syndrome affect blood vessels?
Can cause recurrent thromboembolism ( DVT/PE )
What condition can cause recurrent cytopenia?
SLE
What is Cytopenia?
When one or more of your blood cells types is low ( RBCs, WBCs, Platelets )
What gastrointestinal symptoms can Scleroderma present with?
Indigestion
Constipation
What conditions can present with diarrhoea and bloody stools?
Reactive Arthritis
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Enteropathic Arthritis
What conditions can present with weight loss?
Any inflammatory condition ( RA, AS SLE, Scleroderma etc )
Neoplasia
What causes raised platelets?
Inflammation
Bleeding
What causes decreased platelets?
SLE
What causes neutrophilia?
Inflammation
Sepsis
Prednisolone usage
Infection
Stress
Vigorous exercise
What causes neutropenia?
SLE
DMARD toxicity
Post infective
Chemotherapy
What causes a decrease of lymphocytes?
SLE
DMARD usage
What condition causes raised Uric Acid?
Gout
What causes decreased Uric Acid?
Inflammation
In what condition are CK, ALT and LDH raised?
Myositis
What autoantibodies are raised in SLE?
Anti-dsDNA
Anti RO
Anti-LA
Which autoantibody rises with disease activity in SLE?
Anti-dsDNA
Which complement proteins fall in SLE flares?
C3 and C4
What autoantibodies are raised in Sjogren’s?
Anti-RO
Anti-LA
What autoantibodies are raised in Scleroderma ( Systemic Sclerosis ) ?
Anti centomere
Anti-Scl70
What autoantibodies is raised in Polymyositis?
Anti Jo-1
What are the two Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies that are relevant? (ANCA)
C ANCA
P ANCA
What ANCA antibodies are present in Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis ?
C ANCA
Which ANCA antibody is present in patients with Microscopic Polyangiitis?
P ANCA
What gene is strongly associated with Ankylosing Spondylitis, iritis and juvenile arthritis ?
HLA-B27
What investigation do you do for SLE and vasculitis?
Urinalysis
What investigation do you do for suspected septic arthritis?
Synovial fluid anyalsis
What investigation do you do for crystal arthropathy?
Synovial fluid analysis
What would you see on polarised light microscopy in Gout?
Negatively birefringent needle shaped crystals
What would you see on polarized light microscopy in Pseudogout?
Positive birefringent rhomboid shaped crystals
What type of biopsy do you do for GCA?
Temporal artery biopsy
What type of biopsies do you do dermatomyositis?
Muscle biopsy
Skin biopsy
What type of biopsies do you do for Vasculitis?
Skin biopsy
Renal biopsy
What type of biopsy do you do for polymyositis?
Muscle biopsy
What type of biopsies do you do for SLE?
Skin biopsy
Renal biopsy
What type of biopsy do you do for Sjogren’s?
Lip/ salivary gland biopsy
What type of biopsy is uncommonly requested but useful in Vasculitis with mononeuritis multiplex neuropathy?
Sural nerve biopsy
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis ? And what antibodies are associated with it?
Autoimmune disease associated with antibodies to Fc portion of IgG ( Rheumatoid Factor ) and anti-CCP
What is the pathogenesis of RA?
Citrullination of self antigens which are then recognized by T & B cells which can then produce antibodies (RF & anti-CCP)
Stimulated macrophages and fibroblasts release TNFa
Inflammatory cascade leads to proliferation of synoviocytes , which grows over cartilage and leads to restriction on nutrients, cartilage is damaged
Activated macrophages stimulate osteoclast differentiation , causing bone damage
What is the typical history with RA?
Female
30-50
Progressive, peripheral, symmetrical polyarthrits
What is the typical pattern of RA in the hands and feet ?
Affects MCPs/PIPs/MTPs but typically spares DIPs
What are the timing features of RA?
Hx of >6 months
Morning stiffness > 30mins
What can be seen on examination of RA?
Swelling
Tenderness
Ulnar deviation
Palmar subluxation
Swan-neck deformity
Boutonniere deformity
Rheumatoid nodules
Carpal Tunnel
Where are Rheumatoid Nodules typically found?
Elbows
What investigations are done for RA?
Bloods -
Rheumatoid Factor + Anti-CCP
FBC
Raised CRP + ESR
Radiology -
USS/MRI more sensitive in early disease
X -RAY changes apparent in established disease
May need PFTs and HRCT is chest involvement suspected
What will a FBC show in RA?
Normocytic Anaemia ( Anaemia of Chronic Disease)
Why does anaemia occur in RA?
Inflammation can prevent the body from using stored iron stores to make new RBCs
What XRAY changes are seen in RA?
L - Loss of joint space
E - Erosions
S - Soft tissue swelling
S - Subluxation
What is the initial treatment for RA?
DMARD monotherapy ( e.g. Methotrexate ) , consider combination therapy
NSAIDs - symptom control with PPI cover
Can use OT/PT
What monitoring is required when a patient is on Methotrexate ( DMARDs) long term?
FBC
LFTs - can cause liver fibrosis
U&Es - can cause renal impairment
What are the effects of long-term steroid use?
Osteoporosis
Skin thinning
Hypertension
What should be used to treat RA in a flare up?
PO / IM or intra-articular Steroids ( normally Prednisolone PO )
What should be considered after combination DMARDs if still not helping?
Biologics ( anti-TNFs e.g Infliximab, Etanercept )
What are the extra-articular flare ups or Rheumatoid Arthritis? (3Cs 3As 3Ps 3Ss )
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Cardiovascular Risks
Cord Compression
Anaemia
Amyloidosis
Arteritis
Pericarditis
Pleural Disease (common)
Pulmonary Disease (common)
Sjogren’s Syndrome
Scleritis/Episcleritis
Splenic Enlargement
What is Giant Cell Arteritis?
Chronic Vasculitis of large and medium sized vessels that occur among individuals over 50
Commonly affects the temporal artery
Where does GCA commonly cause inflammation?
Superficial temporal artery , other branches of External carotid artery
How can GCA present ?
Anterior Ischaemic Optic Neuropathy ( Vision Loss )
Jaw claudication
Stroke
What are risk factors for GCA?
Above 50 , most above 60
Woman
Caucasian
Strong association with Polymyalgia Rheumatica
HLA-DR4 gene
What symptoms does GCA present with?
Headache ( 70% ) - usually localized, unilateral, stabbing and located over the temple
Jaw claudication upon mastication
Amaurosis Fugax
Blindness
Diplopia
Tenderness over temple area
What is Amaurosis Fugax?
Temporary loss of blood flow to one or both eyes causing transient blindness
How is the diagnosis of GCA made?
Presence of any 2 or more of the following in patients older than 50 :
-Raised ESR, CRP or PV
-New onset or localized headache
-Tenderness or decreased pulsation of temporal artery
-New visual symptoms
-Biopsy showing necrotising arteritis
How do you treat GCA?
Prednisolone 60-100mg PO per day for at least 2 weeks
If they have visual symptoms , consider 1mg methylprednisolone IV pulse therapy for 1-3 days
Then put on low dose Aspirin long term to reduce stroke risk
What is Polymyalgia Rheumatica?
A clinical syndrome categorised by pain and stiffness of shoulder, hip and neck. Typically have difficulty rising from a chair or brushing their hair.
What age people are affected by PR?
Average onset ~70 years
What are the symptoms of PR?
New onset stiffness ( neck, shoulder, hips) in elderly
Difficulty rising from chair
Night time pain
Systemic symptoms ~25%
What will be seen on examination of a patient with PR?
Deceased ROM of neck, shoulder, hips
Strength is normal
Muscle tenderness
How is diagnosis of PR made?
Typical hx and examination
Raised inflammatory markers
Association with GCA so TA biopsy if symptomatic
What is the treatment of PR?
15mg Prednisolone PO, expect dramatic response within 5 days
Then slowly taper
If a patient relapses frequently with PR what can be used as a steroid-sparing drug?
Methotrexate
What are Spondyloarthropathies?
A group of conditions that affect the spine and peripheral joints associated with the HLA-B27 gene
What are the 4 Spondyloarthropathy conditions?
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Enteropathic Arthritis
Psoriatic Arthritis
Reactive Arthritis
What clinical features are common in the Spondyloarthropathies?
Sacroiliac/ Axial disease
Inflammatory arthropathy of peripheral joints
Enthesitis (inflammation at tendon insertions)
Extra-articular features (skin/gut/eye)
What is the usual patient with Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Young male
What are the symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Bilateral buttock pain
Chest Wall and thoracic pain
What can be seen in developed Ankylosing Spondylitis on examination?
Loss of Lumbar Lordosis
Exaggerated Thoracic Kyphosis
Reduced chest expansion
Positive Schober’s Test
What is Schober’s Test?
- Identify the location of the posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS) on each side.
- Mark the skin in the midline 5cm below the PSIS.
- Mark the skin in the midline 10cm above the PSIS.
- Ask the patient to touch their toes to assess lumbar flexion.
- Measure the distance between the two lines.
The distance between the two marks should increase from the initial 15cm to more than 20cm, if not positive test due to reduced ROM
What investigation should be done for Ankylosing Spondlylitis?
CRP - but may be normal
MRI spine and SI joints
What is the treatment for Ankylosing Spondyliti
Symptom Control - NSAIDs
Physiotherapy
Can use TNF inhibitors, IL-17 inhibitors
What is Psoriatic Arthritis?
Happens in 10% of people with Psoriasis
What are the typical exam findings with Psoriatic Arthritis?
Oligoarthritis
Dactylitits ( sausage fingers )
Can be symmetrical or mono also
Arthritis Mutans ( 5%)
What is the typical XRAY findings in Psoriatic Arthritis?
‘Pencil in cup’ appearance
What can be seen early on MRI or USS in Psoriatic Arthritis?
Central erosions
What is the treatment for Psoriatic Arthritis?
NSAIDs
DMARDs
TNF Inhibitors
IL-17 inhibitors
IL-12/IL-23 inhibitors
How does Reactive Arthritis develop?
Its sterile synovitis after a distant infection ( Salmonella/ Shigella / Campylobacter ) or following urethrits/cervicitis ( Chylamydia )
When does Reactive Arthritis present?
Few days - 2 weeks post infection