Rheumatology - Polyarthritis - OA, RA, SpA Flashcards

1
Q

List causes of polyarthritis

A

Non-inflammatory:

  • OA
  • Fibromyalgia

Inflammatory:

  • RA
  • Viral polyarthritis
  • Infective: IE, rheumatic fever, bacterial polyarthritis, Lyme disease
  • Connective tissue disease/ SLE
  • Spondyloarthritis (SpA): Ankylosing spondylitis, Psoriatic arthritis, Reactive arthritis, IBD-related arthritis
  • Crystal deposition disease: Gout, Pseudogout, Lipid, Calcium…etc
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2
Q

Most likely cause of polyarticular pain in this profile:

Young age
Insidious onset
symmetrical arthritis involving small and large joints in upper and lower limbs
Spares DIP
Morning stiffness that resolves after some time

A

Rheumatoid arthritis

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3
Q

Most likely cause of polyarticular pain in this profile:

Old age
symmetrical polyarthralgia affecting DIP, PIP, 1st CMCJ, weight-bearing joints and neck
Insidious onset
Typically (at least initially) associated with movement and resolved with rest

A

Osteoarthritis

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4
Q

Most likely cause of polyarticular pain in this profile:

Acute onset of monoarticular pain with recurrent attacks
Affects distal > proximal joints in a migratory/simultaneous pattern
Systemic upset, fever during acute attacks
Overlying skin is pruritic

A

Gout

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5
Q

Most likely cause of polyarticular pain in this profile:

Young age, insidious onset
Wide distribution of peripheral and axial joints affected, asymmetrical
Associated with back pain, psoriasis, uveitis and other widespread S/S

A

Spondyloarthritis

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6
Q

Differentiate mono, oligo and polyarthritis/ -arthalgia

A

1= mono
2-4 = oligo
≥5 joints = poly

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7
Q

Rheumatoid arthritis

Joints affected by RA
Classical deformities in chronic cases

A

Classically symmetrical arthritis involving small and large joints in upper and lower limbs

Classically starts in MCP, PIP, wrists and MTP joints and spares DIP joint

Eventually spread to involve multiple peripheral joints ± atlantoaxial joint (C1/2), cricoarytenoid

Deformities: swan neck/Boutonierre deformity, Z thumb, rheumatoid nodules

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8
Q

Spondyloarthritis

Joints affected
Extra-articular features

A

Axial form: SI joint and other interarticular joints

Peripheral form: asymmetrical oligoarthritis (LL>UL), DIP not spared

Extra-articular:

  • enthesitis, dactylitis (sausage digits due to tendinitis)
  • anterior uveitis, conjunctivitis/urethritis (in reactive arthritis)
  • psoriasis (in PsA)
  • IBD (in IBD-associated SpA)
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9
Q

Viral polyarthritis

Causative pathogens
Joints affected

A
  • Common associations: hep B and C, EBV, parvovirus B19, Dengue virus, rubella, HIV
  • Symmetrical, small joint arthritis ± rash and prodromal illness → usually self-limiting ≤6w
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10
Q

Outline history taking approach for polyarthritis

A
  1. Inflammatory vs non-inflammatory pain?
  2. Pain localized to joint or extra-articular?
  3. Onset/ triggers? e.g. conjunctivitis in SpA
  4. Acute or chronic:
    Acute: Crystals, reactive, septic, viral
    Chronic, SpA, RA, OA, Connective tissue diseases…
  5. Joints: mono-, oligo- or polyarthritis
  6. Spatial pattern: symmetrical vs asymmetrical, large or small joints, axial or peripheral
  7. Temporal pattern: Migratory or additive or intermittent
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11
Q

Features of inflammatory joint pain

A

→ Early morning stiffness: lasts >30min after waking (classical in RA)
→ Swelling, heat, redness in joints
→ Better with gentle exercise and worse with rest

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12
Q

Ddx symmetrical vs asymmetrical polyarthritis

A

Symmetrical:
RA, SLE, OA

Asymmetrical:
Psoriatic SpA
Axial SpA
Peripheral SpA

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13
Q

Ddx polyarthritis with migratory, additive and intermittent patterns

A

Migratory pattern: symptoms present in certain joints for a few days then remit, only to reappear in other joints
- rheumatic fever, gonococcal arthritis and SLE-associated arthritis

→ Additive pattern: symptoms begin in some joints and persist with subsequent involvement of other joints
- RA and SLE

→ Intermittent pattern: repetitive attacks of acute polyarthritis with complete remission between attacks
- RA, polyarticular gout and palindromic rheumatism

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14
Q

Rheumatoid arthritis

Extra-articular features and asso. S/S

A

Constitutional or systemic symptoms: weight loss, fatigue, anaemia of chronic disease ± Felty syndrome

Musculoskeletal: osteopenia/osteoporosis, muscle weakness, steroid-related myopathy, carpal tunnel syndrome

Skin: digital ulcers,Rheumatoid nodules (20-35%): common on pressure points

Eye: Episcleritis, Scleritis

RA-related ILD, lung nodules and pericarditis

Rheumatoid vasculitis

Hepatosplenomegaly

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15
Q

SLE

Extra-articular features

A

Constitutional or systemic symptoms: fever, weight loss, myalgia, fatigue, anaemia of chronic disease

Cutaneous lupus: buttery fly rash (acute), annular/papulosquamous (subacute), discoid rash, scarring alopecia

Raynaud’s phenomenon, Lupus vasculitis

GI: oral/mucosal ulcers, protein-losing enteropathy, Hepatitis

Lupus nephritis

Serositis (pericarditis, pleuritis),

ILD and pulmonary hypertension

Cerebral lupus, and thromboembolic stroke

Eye: keratoconjunctivitis sicca, episcleritis/scleritis/uveitis

Haematological: haemolytic/NcNc anaemia, APS, Lymphadenopathy and hepatosplenomegaly

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16
Q

SpA

Extra-articular features

A

Dactylitis (sausage digits)
Enthesitis: common at insertion of Achilles tendon
Psoriatic changes: skin psoriasis, nail pitting, dystrophy
Uveitis (a/w most types of SpA), IBD (in IBD-associated SpA), urethritis/conjunctivitis (in reactive arthritis)

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17
Q

Vasculitis-caused polyarthritis

Extra-articular features

A

Constitutional or systemic symptoms: fever, fatigue, weight loss, arthralgia

Livedo reticularis: non-blanching palpable purpuric rash at dependent areas or pressure sites

Nail fold erythema, splinter haemorrhages

palmar/finger pulp vasculitis- digital ulcers/gangrene

Renal and pulmonary involvement

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18
Q

First-line investigations for polyarthritis

A

□ CBC/L/RFT
□ ESR/CRP

□ Serum urate
□ ANA, anti-ENA, C3/4 if suspicious for SLE
□ Rheumatoid Factor, anti-CCP if suspicious for RA
□ HLA-B27 if suspicious for SpA

□ Plain XR of affected joint: as mainstay

□ Other imaging:
→ USG: guide aspiration and injections, detect synovitis
→ MRI: for neurological complications, other Cx
→ Bone scan for inflammatory activity
→ CT scan for structural complications, eg. pseudoarthrosis, ILD

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19
Q

Radiological features of OA, RA joints

A

→ OA: subchondral cyst, osteophytes, ↓joint space, subchondral sclerosis
→ RA: marginal erosion, ↓joint space, soft tissue swelling, osteoporosis

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20
Q

Radiological features of SLE, SpA joints

A

→ SLE: typically non-erosive (osteoporosis, soft tissue swelling with normal joint spaces)

→ SpA: SI joint sclerosis, spinal marginal syndesmophytes or parasyndesmophytes

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21
Q

Joints affected by chronic tophaceous gout

A

Site: extensor surface of fingers, hands, forearm, elbows, Achilles tendons, helix of ear

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22
Q

OA

Typical joints affected

A

Single or multiple joint OA
o Predilection for hands (PIP/ DIP/ 1st CMC/ 1st MCP), knee, hip and apophyseal (facet) joints of lower cervical and lower lumbar spine

Generalized OA
o Defined as OA at spinal or hand joints and in at least 2 other joint areas/ 3 joints, presence of Heberden’s nodes and Bouchard’s node

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23
Q

Differentiate primary vs secondary OA

A

Primary OA
o Idiopathic and related to genetics

Secondary OA
o Secondary to abnormal mechanical forces or previous joint insult
o Predisposing conditions including trauma (fracture), rheumatoid arthritis, avascular necrosis, Paget’s disease of bone

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24
Q

OA

Demographics
Risk factors

A

Demographics: >40 years old, female predominant

RF: 
 Age
 Obesity
 Trauma
 Occupational usage (Farmer’s hip)/ Heavy weight-lifting
 Recreational usage (Footballer’s knee)
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25
Q

OA

Pathogenesis of articular damage

A

Articular cartilage
• Loosening of collagen network and loss of extracellular matrix in cartilage

  • Proliferation of chondrocytes and swelling of cartilage
  • Production of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) and pro-inflammatory cytokines
  • Chondrocytes death leading to cartilage loss and joint space narrowing
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26
Q

OA

Pathogenesis of bone changes

A

• Osteophyte formation
o Bone spurs or outgrowths form at joint margins often at insertion site of tendons and ligaments attempt to stabilized the joints

• Subchondral sclerosis
o Thickening of subchondral bone due to increased production of collagen that is improperly mineralized attempt to support framework beneath cartilage

• Subchondral cysts
o Cartilage damage transmit pressure of synovial fluid to bone
o Extravasation of fluid into subchondral bone to form subchondral cysts

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27
Q

OA

Pathogenesis of synovium and soft tissue damage

A

Synovium
synovial inflammation (synovitis) or synovial hypertrophy

Soft tissues
• joint capsule, ligaments and menisci (in knees) are commonly affected with disruption of extracellular matrix and loss of cells
» Thickening of joint capsule, ligaments and menisci tearing

• Periarticular muscles and nerves are also affected

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28
Q

SOCRATES for OA joint pain

A
  • Site: Affects one or few joints at a time
  • Onset: Insidious onset with slow progression over years
  • Character: Sharp or dull aching pain
  • Associated symptoms: Stiffness, swelling, decrease ROM
  • Time course: Intermittent
  • Exacerbating factor: Joint use
  • Relieving factor: Resting
  • Severity: Variable in intensity
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29
Q

OA

S/S

A

Joint pain
Joint tenderness, stiffness (late afternoon, evening)
Joint swelling and deformity
Joint instability: Giving away or buckling sensation
Locomotor restriction
• Reduced active and passive movement
• Due to marginal osteophytes, capsular thickening, synovial hyperplasia and effusion

30
Q

Describe the hand joint deformities in OA

A

Heberden’s nodes: Bony articular nodules at DIP joint
Bouchard’s nodes: Bony articular nodules at PIP joint

Lateral deviation of interphalangeal joints +/- instability (Characteristic)

Radial subluxation and adduction at thumb base

31
Q

Describe the knee pain and deformities a/w OA Knee

A

Pain: Patellofemoral or tibiofemoral joint are MOST commonly affect

Deformities: fixed flexion or varus deformity

Quadriceps weakness and wasting

Instability and feeling of giving way associated with falls

Range of motion
• Reduced active and passive movement
Coarse crepitation on joint movement

32
Q

Describe the hip pain and deformities a/w OA hip

A

Pain: Anterior groin, or upper thigh pain; Distal radiation causing thigh or knee pain

Deformities: external rotation, adduction and fixed flexion in end-stage

Thigh muscle weakness and wasting

Shortening of affected extremity, +ve Trendelenburg test

Range of motion
Reduced active and passive movement
Coarse crepitation on joint movement

33
Q

Describe the spinal pain a/w OA spine

A

Location of pain
• Localized lumbar pain
Radiation to buttocks, groin, thigh and ends above knees

Nature of pain
• Exacerbated by activity such as exercise, lumbar spine extension, rotatory motion or when sitting and standing

34
Q

Ddx OA

Specialized test for OA

A

RA
Psoriatic arthritis (dactylitis with nail changes, DIP involvement)
Gout and pseudogout (Crystalline arthritis)
Septic arthritis

Specialized test: Thomas Test

35
Q

First-line investigations for OA

A

Biochemical tests:
1. Inflammatory markers
• ESR and CRP to exclude inflammatory joint disease

  1. Autoimmune antibodies to r/o RA
    • Rheumatoid factor (RF)
    • Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (Anti-CCP)
  2. Synovial fluid aspiration
    • Usually non-inflammatory or mildly inflammatory with < 2000 WBC/mm3 with predominance in mononuclear cells

Imaging:
1. X-ray of joints

  1. USG: Detection of synovial inflammation, effusion and osteophytosis
36
Q

OA

Treatment options

A

Medical:

  • Acetaminophen (paracetamol) (APAP)
  • NSAIDS, Example: Naproxen/ Diclofenac/ Ibuprofen
  • COX-2 inhibitors, Example: Celecoxib/ Rofecoxib/ valdecoxib
  • Intraarticular glucocorticoids

Surgical:

  • Osteotomy: realignment of joint
  • Total joint arthroplasty (replacement)
37
Q

RA

Demographics
Risk factors

A

M:F - 1:3
Peak age of onset: 35-55

Risk factors:
- Genetic: MHC II (HLA-DR4 as major susceptibility haplotype), PTPN22, CD40L, CTLA4

  • Smoking (induce airway enzymes that increase citrullination of proteins in inflamed tissues)
  • Pregnancy-related: nulliparity, post-partum flare
38
Q

RA

Two-hit pathogenesis

A
First hit (pre-RA):
→ Citrullination: normal self proteins become citrullinated by peptidyl arginine deiminase (PAD)

→ Mucosal inflammation: presentation of citrullinated (and other) auto-antigens to CD4+ cells → production of autoAb against various modified antigens (esp ACPA, RF)

Second hit (immune activation): sudden ↑expression of modified antigens in joint
→ Presentation of Ag to CD4+ T cells (Th1 and Th17)>> Interaction with B cells for AutoAb and MQ 

→ Resultant cytokine elaboration (TNF, IL-1, IL-6) act on local cells in joint: chondrocyte death, Fibroblast proliferation, Osteoclast activation…etc

39
Q

RA

Pathogenesis of pannus formation, osteopenia, and rheumatoid nodule formation

A

Cytokine production by B cells and MQ:

  • Formation of pannus (inflammatory granulation tissue) → proliferates within joint and under cartilage → local joint destruction, fibrous or bony ankylosis
  • Local osteoclast activation → bony location and periarticular osteopaenia
  • Rheumatoid nodules: central area of fibrinoid material surrounded by palisade of proliferating mononuclear cells
40
Q

RA

Typical joints involved

A
symmetrical peripheral polyarthritis
→ Hand: MCP, PIP, wrist
→ UL: elbow, shoulder
→ LL: MTP, ankle, knees, hip
→ Axial: C-spine (esp AAJ), cricoarytenoid
41
Q

RA Hand deformities

PIPJ
MCPJ
Palm
Wrist

A

PIPJ:

  • Swan neck deformity
  • Boutonniere deformity
  • Mallet finger
  • Z deformity of thumb

MCPJ and palm:
→ Volar (palmar) subluxation
→ Ulnar deviation of fingers
→ Bow string sign: prominent tendon in extensor compartment

Wrist:
→ Late: radial deviation, dorsal subluxation/dislocation of ulna and distal RUJ
→ Carpal tunnel syndrome:

42
Q

RA

Cutaneous changes

A

→ Raynaud phenomenon
→ Rheumatoid nodules on pressure points
→ Rheumatoid vasculitis changes: digital infarcts, periungual telangiectasiae

43
Q

Explain the pathophysiology of Swan neck and Boutonniere deformities seen in RA

A

Swan neck deformity: lax volar plate ± FDS rupture → unopposed extensor force → PIPJ hyperextended, DIPJ flexed

Boutonniere deformity: broken central slip of extensor tendon → ‘button-like’ dorsal herniation of PIPJ → PIPJ flexed, DIPJ hyperextended

44
Q

RA lower limb deformities

Feet, Knee, Hip

A

Feet:
MTP Joint erosion: lateral deviation, plantar subluxation of metatarsal heads - ‘cock up’ deformity
→ Ankle:
- Arthritis: diffuse swelling around talotibial joint
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome: heel pain, toe paraesthesia

Knee: similar to OA
→ Genu valgus
Baker’s cyst (rupture = pain)
→ Restriction of ROM, Quadriceps atrophy
Knee effusion

Hip: similar to OA
→ Restricted ROM, pain in groin, thigh, low back or referred to knee

45
Q

RA arm deformities - elbow, shoulder

A

Elbow:
→ Loss of extension
→ Joint effusion/synovitis
Ulnar compressive neuropathy due to elbow synovitis
Rheumatoid nodule

Shoulder:
Frozen shoulder: due to capsulitis of glenohumeral joint
Rotator cuff injury, shoulder dislocation

46
Q

RA cervical spine deformities

A

Cricoarytenoid joint involvement:
Hoarseness
□ Inspiratory stridor if severe

Cervical spine involvement:
□ Subluxation: most commonly at atlanotoaxial joint (C1/2)
□ Apophyseal joint (neck stiffness, pain)

C1/2 subluxation S/S:

  • Pain, stiffness of the neck
  • Radiculopathy → radicular pain
  • Cervical cord compression → cervical myelopathy emergency
47
Q

Cervical subluxation in RA

S/S
Diagnostic Ix
Tx

A

S/S:
Neck pain radiating to occiput due to upper cervical root involvement
→ Clumsiness, abnormal gait (cervical myelopathy)
Spastic quadriparesis, sensory and sphincter disturbance in late stages

Ix: AP + lateral X-ray of C-spine with flexion and extension views
→ Anterior subluxation: typically defined by anterior atlantodens interval (AADI) ≥4mm

Tx:

  • Avoid high-impact exercise, wear stiff collar brace, neuropathic pain relief
  • Urgent surgery for cord decompression
48
Q

Rheumatoid nodules

  • Sites of involvement
A

Joint sites at pressure/friction points, eg. olecranon, sacrum, Achilles tendon, toes

Pulmonary (<1%): commonly occur at subpleural area, interlobular septa
- Asymptomatic or a/w pleural effusion, PTX, haemoptysis

Cardiac: commonly occur at myopericardium, valvular structure

49
Q

Name 2 serum autoantibodies for RA

Confounding/ false positives
Compare sensitivity and specificity
Purpose of measuring these antibodies

A

Rheumatoid factor (RF): IgM autoantibody against IgG (anti-IgG IgM autoAb)

  • Not sensitive or specific
  • High titre is more specific for diagnosis
  • High titre = Poor prognosis
  • Confounding: Sjogren’s syndrome, Chronic infection, SLE, Normal individuals

Anti-citrullinated protein (anti-CCP, ACPA): Ab to citrullinated proteins

  • Low sensitivity but high specificity to RA
  • Allow early diagnosis of RA, positive before symptoms
  • Predict progressive and erosive disease
50
Q

Radiological features of RA

A

→ Soft tissue swelling and wide joint space due to synovial inflammation by effusion

→ Juxta-articular osteoporosis due to hyperemia and disuse

→ Joint space narrowing due to cartilage destruction by pannus

→ Periarticular erosion due to pannus destruction of unprotected bone at insertion of joint capsule

51
Q

Outline the ACR/ EULAR guideline for clinical diagnosis of RA

A
52
Q

Name one scoring system for assessing RA activity and treatment response

A

DAS28 score for assessing disease activity, response to Tx and need for biologics

53
Q

List medical treatment options for RA

1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th line

A

1st-line:
Methotrexate + Corticosteroids
NSAIDs, COX-2 inhibitors

2nd-line:
Conventional Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) e.g. azathioprine, sulphasalazine, hydroxychloroquine

3rd-line: Biologics
Anti-TNF agent e.g. etanercept, adlimumab

4th-line: More biologics 
Anti-IL6r: tocilizumab
Anti-CD20: rituximab
Co-stimulation blockade: abatacept
Anti-IL1r: anakinra
54
Q

Surgical treatment options for RA

A

Synovectomy: removal of inflamed synovium for pain relief, prevention of tendon rupture

Arthrodesis: artificial induction of joint ossification/ fusion

Re-alignment osteotomy: removal of parts of bone to restore alignment and stability

Joint replacement/ Total joint arthroplasty

55
Q

SpA

List all the common features shared by these inflammatory joint diseases

A

Asymmetrical oligoarthritis with sacroiliitis, spondylitis and LL > UL involvement

HLA-B27-associated with tendency for familial aggregation

RF- and anti-CCP negative

Prominent extrasynovial inflammation/ extra-articular features including
→ Dactylitis and enthesitis
→ Mucosal inflammation: conjunctivitis, buccal ulceration, urethritis, prostatitis, IBD
→ Others: anterior uveitis, aortic root fibrosis (AR, conduction defects), erythema nodosum

56
Q

Compare the traditional and newer classification of SpA

A
57
Q

HLA-B27 and the pathogenesis of SpA

A
  • Arthritogenic peptide hypothesis: HLA-B27 ‘sees’ certain microbial peptide similarly as self-peptides →cause autoreactivity in CD8+ T cells
  • Propensity to form homodimers/ multimers to activate T cells, APCs, NK cells for autoreaction
  • Misfolding and autophagy: intracellular misfolding may lead to high ER stress → activates autophagy pathway by cytokine secretion
58
Q

4 spinal mobility tests for SpA

A

Modified Schober Test - For spinal flexion
Lateral spinal flexion test
Occiput to wall and tragus to wall test
Cervical rotation test with Goniometer

59
Q

Role of HLA-B27 measurement in SpA

Drawbacks of HLA-B27 as a diagnostic indicator

A
  • Highly suggestive of Ankylosing spondylitis (90-95% positive)
  • Used as Prognosis indicator
  • Screening tool in inflammatory back pain
  • Otherwise Not sensitive or specific enough to diagnose SpA
  • Occurs in 9% of normal Caucasians (high false positive rate)
60
Q

Ddx SpA based on the following:

  • Symmetric sacroillitis
  • Upper limb involvement before lower limb
  • Not associated with enthesitis
  • Not associated with dactylitis
  • No cutaneous involvement
A

Symmetric sacroilitis - AS or IBD-associated SpA

Upper limb involvement first: Psoriatic arthritis

No enthesitis: IBS-associated SpA

No Dactylitis or skin involvement: AS

61
Q

Outline the clinical diagnostic criteria for Ankylosing spondylitis

A

Modified New York criteria

Clinical: (At least 1)

  • Lower back pain and stiffness for >3 months, improves with exercise and not relieved by rest
  • Limited lumbar spine motion in sagittal and frontal plane
  • Limited chest expansion compared to normal

Radiological: (Must be present)
Sacroilitis: grade >2 bilaterally or grade 3-4 unilaterally

62
Q

Name one classification for diagnosis of Axial SpA

A

SpA Diagnosis: ASAS Classification criteria for SpA

63
Q

Name one classification for Peripheral SpA

A

ASAS classification criteria for peripheral SpA (2011)

64
Q

Name one index for disease severity of SpA

A

SpA Disease severity: Bath AS Disease Activity Index (BASDAI)

65
Q

Radiological features of SpA

A

Squaring of vertebral bodies (early): loss of normal concavity of anterior border

Shiny corner sign (early): reactive sclerosis due to inflammatory erosions at superior and inferior endplates

Syndesmophytes and parasyndesmophytes (late): paravertebral ossification parallel to spine

Bamboo spine (late): occurs with complete ankylosis of vertebral bodies

66
Q

Radiological features of sacroiliitis

A

Plain XR: erosions with loss of clear white line, ankylosis, changes in joint width, sclerosis

MRI: subchondral/periarticular BM oedema

67
Q

Treatment options for SpA

Lifestyle modifications
1st line, 2nd line
adjunctive treatment for extra-articular complications

A

General measures:
→ Patient education
→ Stretching exercise and physiotherapy
Smoking cessation

Pharmacological treatment:
NSAIDs or COX-2 inhibitor as first line
→ Biologics: Anti-TNF or anti-IL-17A as second line

Adjunctive treatment:
DMARDs (eg. sulphasalazine)
Local glucocorticoid injections for enthesitis and dactylitis
Steroid eyedrops for anterior uveitis
Joint surgery

68
Q

Reactive arthritis/ Reiter’s syndrome

Clinical features
Preceding conditions

A

Clinical features: triad of urethritis + reactive arthritis + conjunctivitis 1-4 weeks after infection

  • Acute asymmetric oligoarthritis in LL first
  • Enthesitis: Achilles tendinitis, plantar fasciitis
  • Circinate balanitis (20-50%): starts at vesicles on coronal margin of prepuce and glans
  • Conjunctivitis (50%)
  • Oral ulcers and nail dystrophy

Preceding infection: bacterial dysentery (Salmonella, Shigella, Yersinia, Campylobacter, C. difficile) and chlamydial urethritis

69
Q

Psoriatic arthritis

  • Clinical presentation
A

→ Psoriasis
→ Arthritis: variable pattern
→ Enthesitis (35%) and dactylitis (~50%)
Nail changes: pitting, onycholysis, subungual hypekeratosis, horizontal ridging
→ Uveitis and conjunctivitis
→ Associated metabolic syndrome, eg. overweight, DM, HTN, hyperlipidaemia, hyperuricaemia

70
Q

Difference between psoriatic arthritis and RA

A

Difference from rheumatoid arthritis: RA has non of the extra-articular features specific to SpA, esp. nail changes to psoriasis
→ Presence of psoriasis

→ Nail dystrophy: onycholysis, pitting, ridging etc

→ Pattern of joint involvement: spondylitis, sacroiliitis, DIPJ involvement

→ Enthesitis and dactylitis