Rheumatoid Arthritis Flashcards
Symmetrical small joint arthrites
RA, SLE, psoriatic
Who progresses from palindromic RA to standard RA?
RF or ACPA positive
Which pedal joints are most commonly affected in RA?
MTP and subtalar joints
What are the pedal abnormalities found on examination?
1st MTP and IP joints involvement
Valgus deformity of great toe.
Dorsal subluxation of 2nd-5th MTPs.
What is the mechanism of extensor tendon rupture?
Ulnar head erosions interrupt 4th and 5th extensor tendons
What is the primary T cell subtype in RA joints?
CD4+
When must SLE be considered as cause of small joint polyarthritis?
If leucopenia or lymphopenia present. WCC usually normal in RA.
Where do RA erosions occur?
Where synovium invades into bone
Differences between OA and RA on XR?
OA: - Subchondral sclerosis and cysts - No erosions RA: - Crowding of the carpus - Erosions - Juxta-articular Osteopenia
Escleritis vs episcleritis
Scleritis => purplish hue
- May progress to scleromalacia perforens.
- Sclera may thin out and result in perforation
- Retina becomes visible (black)
Lung nodule features in RA
- Upper lung
- Subpleural
- May cavitate
Where is synovium found?
Joints, tendons and bursa
What are the types of vasculitis in RA?
Small vessel vasculitis, leucocytoclastic arteritis, necrotising.
What is the most common neuropathy in RA?
Carpel tunnel syndrome
What is the mechanism of atlanto-axial instability in RA?
Peri-odontoid bursae erode into odontoid peg and ligament.
