Rheumatoid Arthritis

Question 1

Genetic and Environmental Components of Rheumatoid arthritis

Answer 1

HLA-DRB1 is the major gene affected.

Smoking and silica exposure increase risk for RA

Question 2

Key pathologic feature of RA

Answer 2

Pannus develops in joint
Pannus- Proliferative mass of inflammatory tissue that erodes bone and cartilage.
Bone loss from osteoclast adtivation at synovial insertions sites.

Question 3

Hallmark features of RA

Answer 3

Persistent symmetric polyarthritis affecting small joints of hands and feet.
MCP and PIP are involved but Not the DIP

Question 4

Boutonniere Deformity

Answer 4

Non-reducible flexion at PIP with hyper extension of DIP (permanent hitchhiking thumb)

Question 5

Rheumatoid Factor

Answer 5

Serum IgM autoantibodies that bind to the Fc Portion of their own IgG
NOT DIAGNOSTIC FOR RA