Rheumatology

Question 1

What is rheumatoid factor?

Answer 1

IgM against own IgG
not that good normal people have it and some RA dont
but good diagnostic marker

Question 2

What is seronegative rheumatoid?

Answer 2

Have no RF
Less likely to have extra articular features
Progress slower

Question 3

What is the medical treatment for RA?

Answer 3

Steroids
DMARDs; methotrexate, sulfasalzine
Biological

Question 4

What is alanto-axial subluxation?

Answer 4

Often complication of RA
tendons in cervical spine weakened by tenosynovitis
odontoid peg subluxes backwards
slowly causes progressive spastic tetraparesis, sudden inhibits vagus nerve and can cause cardiac arrest

Question 5

Scleroderma

Answer 5

can be part of systemic sclerosis or CREST
tight, cold, waxy skin w/ telangectasia
pulp atrophy –> ulceration

Question 6

Features of systemic sclerosis

Answer 6

Microstomia
Mask like faces
beaked nose
Interstitial pulmonary fibrosis
Renal involvement
Atonic esophagus

Question 7

CREST syndrome

Answer 7

Calcinosis
Raynauds
Esophageal involvement
Sclerodactyly

Question 8

Questions to ask CREST?

Answer 8

Do your hands change colour in cold?
Do you get breathless?
Do you get indigestion/heartburn?

Question 9

Give 3 examples of seronegative arthritis

Answer 9

Psoriatic
Reiters
Ank Spond

Question 10

Features of lupus?

Answer 10

Light sensitive malar rash
Nail fold vasculitis/splinter haemorrhage
Small joint arthritis
HTN
Renal Imp
Pleural/pericarditic