Rheumatoid arthritis
| Chronic, erosive arthritis. | |
|---|---|
| Etiology | |
| Epidemiology | F>M. Risk factors: smoking |
| Clinical presentation | Active symmetrical arthritis >6/52 Rheumatoid nodules - over extensor surfaces of tendons, not necessarily over a joint. More likely if many joints involved. See hand signs below |
| Pathogenesis | |
| Diagnostic investigations | RF, anti-CCP |
| Management | NSAIDs for symptomatic relief 1st line: conventional DMARDs e.g. MTX, leflunomide, SSZ Steroids may be used short-term to manage flares |
non-joint signs
- pericarditis
classic hand signs
- ulnar deviation at MCPJs
- Swan-neck deformity = PIPJ hyperextension, DIPJ flexion
- Boutonniere's deformity = PIPJ hyperflexion, DIPJ hyperextension
- Yes swan-neck and boutonniere are complete opposites
- Z deformity of thumb