How a rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patient presents?
RA is an autoimmune disorder of unknown aetiology characterized by chronic,
bilaterally symmetrical polyarthritis involving small and large joints with persistent
synovitis, which ultimately gives rise to joint erosion, destruction and deformity
resulting in gross disability of the patient . Different extra-articular
manifestations of RA are fever, weight loss, anaemia, pyoderma gangrenosum, pleural
effusion, fibrosing alveolitis, pericarditis, conduction defects, episcleritis ,
carpal tunnel syndrome, or amyloidosis.
MCP and PIP joints of hands are commonly involved (DIP joints are usually spared)
and lumbosacral spines are not involved in RA.
RA is an autoimmune disorder of unknown aetiology characterized by chronic,
bilaterally symmetrical polyarthritis involving small and large joints with persistent
synovitis, which ultimately gives rise to joint erosion, destruction and deformity
resulting in gross disability of the patient . Different extra-articular
manifestations of RA are fever, weight loss, anaemia, pyoderma gangrenosum, pleural
effusion, fibrosing alveolitis, pericarditis, conduction defects, episcleritis ,
carpal tunnel syndrome, or amyloidosis.
MCP and PIP joints of hands are commonly involved (DIP joints are usually spared)
and lumbosacral spines are not involved in RA.