Rheumatology & MSK Flashcards
(39 cards)
What are the characteristic symptoms of OA?
Non-inflammatory unilateral joint pain/stiffness, functional difficulties, bony deformities, limited ROM, tenderness, crepitus, haemarthrosis.
How is OA diagnosed?
X-ray (Loss of joint space, Osteophytes, Subchondral sclerosis, Subchondral cysts).
What is the primary treatment for OA?
Lifestyle modifications + paracetamol ± NSAID gel (hand or knee).
What are ‘The A’s’ associated with Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Apical fibrosis, Anterior uveitis, Achilles tendonitis, AVN block, Amyloidosis, Aortic regurgitation
How is Ankylosing Spondylitis diagnosed?
X-ray (Sacroiliitis, Bamboo spine, Syndespositis) + Schober’s test (<5cm lateral flexion) + bloods (high CRP and ESR).
How is Psoriatic Arthritis classified?
Symmetrical polyarthritis, asymmetric oligoarthritis, DIP arthritis, psoriatic spondylitis, arthritis mutilans.
What imaging is used in the diagnosis of Psoriatic Arthritis?
X-ray (pencil in cup) + bloods (high CRP and ESR).
What is the classic triad associated with Reactive Arthritis?
‘Can’t see, can’t pee, can’t climb a tree’ - Conjunctivitis, Urethritis, Inflammatory peripheral arthritis.
What is the causative agent often linked to Reactive Arthritis?
Chlamydia trachomatis.
What distinguishes RA from OA in terms of joint pain?
Inflammatory symmetrical joint pain/stiffness in RA.
How is RA diagnosed?
Bloods (RF, anti-CCP, high CRP and ESR), x-ray (juxta-articular osteopenia, soft tissue swelling, marginal erosion, subluxation), DAS28.
What is the first-line treatment for acute RA?
Prednisolone (steroid bridging treatment) + NSAID.
What is the chronic treatment approach for RA?
DMARD monotherapy (#1 Methotrexate + folic acid or SSZ or Leflunomide or Hydroxychloroquine), DMARD dual therapy, add biologic if necessary.
What is Felty’s syndrome?
RA + Splenomegaly + Leukopenia.
What are the common skin manifestations in SLE?
Malar rash associated with photosensitivity, alopecia, livedo reticularis, and Raynaud’s.
What is the primary pharmacological treatment for SLE?
Hydroxychloroquine* + lifestyle** ± NSAID ± prednisolone.
*Monitor eyes, **Diet, smoking, sun, exercise.
What are the two subtypes of Scleroderma?
Limited cutaneous (RF, ACA/anti-centromere) and Diffuse cutaneous (RF, anti-scl-70/anti-topoisomerase).
What diagnostic tests are used for Sjogren’s Syndrome?
Schirmer’s test (<5mm wetting in 5m), bloods (RF, anti-Ro, anti-La).
What diagnostic tests are used for Sjogren’s Syndrome?
Schirmer’s test (<5mm wetting in 5m), bloods (RF, anti-Ro, anti-La).
What characterizes Behcet’s syndrome?
Oral ulcers + Genital ulcers + Anterior uveitis.
What are the characteristic symptoms of gout?
Pain, swelling, and erythema of the first MTP (also ear, wrist, knee, ankle).
How is gout diagnosed?
Joint aspiration (negative birefringent needle-shaped crystals), uric acid, x-ray, USS.
What is the preferred acute treatment for gout?
NSAID (#1) or Colchicine (#2).
What are the characteristic symptoms of pseudogout?
Pain, swelling, and erythema of OA-type joints (wrist, shoulder, hip, knee).
