Rheumatology Flashcards
Rheumatological investigations in RA
Anti-CCP, Rheumatoid factor
Hand findings in RA
Ulnar deviation of fingers, swan-neck deformity of fingers, joint swelling, wrist subluxation, Boutonniere’s sign, muscle wasting
X-ray signs of RA
Loss of joint space, soft tissue swelling, bony erosions
Extra-articular features of RA
Scleritis, episcleritis, pleural effusion, pericardial effusion, amyloidosis, peripheral neuropathy, anaemia, pulmonary fibrosis, Felty syndrome
What’s the diagnosis of splenomegaly and low neutrophil count in RA?
Felty’s syndrome
Causes of polyarthritis
Psoriatic arthritis, osteoarthritis, RA, polymyalgia rheumatica, reactive arthritis, SLE
NSAIDs mechanism
COX inhibitor - reduces prostaglandin synthesis - reduces inflammation
How often is methotrexate taken and what is its route?
Once a week. PO / IM
What drug is coprescribed with methotrexate
Folic acid
Which drugs may precipitate gout
Aspirin, bendroflumothiazide
Acute and long-term X-ray findings in gout
Acute: normal joint space, soft tissue swelling;
Long-term: peri-articular erosion
Causes of gout
Purine, medicines, dehydration/starvation, surgery, alcohol
Light microscopy of synovial fluid in gout
Negatively birifringent needle-shaped crystals
Medical management of gout
Colchicine and NSAIDs acutely; long-term allopurinol
