Clinical Presentation
A 70-year-old woman presents with knee pain that worsens throughout the day and improves with rest. She has brief morning stiffness lasting less than 30 minutes and crepitus on exam.
What is Osteoarthritis?
This antibody is commonly positive in rheumatoid arthritis but lacks specificity and may be seen in other diseases.
What is Rheumatoid Factor (RF)?
What is the primary mechanism driving cartilage loss in osteoarthritis?
What is mechanical stress and wear-and-tear on articular cartilage?
What is the first-line pharmacologic treatment for symptomatic osteoarthritis?
What are NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs)?
A 63-year-old woman with advanced Osteoarthritis of the hip presents with sudden onset of hip pain, inability to move the joint, and a leg length discrepancy. This complication is most likely due to which condition?
What is hip fracture?
A 55-year-old woman presents with symmetric pain and swelling in her MCP and PIP joints, prolonged morning stiffness lasting over an hour, fatigue, and weight loss.
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
A patient with symmetrical joint involvement and morning stiffness lasting over 1 hour presents with elevated ESR and CRP. This antibody is highly specific for rheumatoid arthritis and is associated with more severe, erosive disease.
What is anti-CCP antibodies (Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide)?
What is the name of the invasive synovial tissue that destroys cartilage and bone in rheumatoid arthritis?
What is pannus?
A 52-year-old woman with active Rheumatoid Arthritis is not responding well to methotrexate. What is the next step in her management?
What is adding a biologic DMARD (e.g., TNF inhibitor)?
A 58-year-old man with long-standing Rheumatoid Arthritis develops shortness of breath and a non-productive cough. The chest X-ray reveals bilateral infiltrates, and the CT scan shows honeycombing. What complication is he likely experiencing?
What is interstitial lung disease (ILD) associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis?
A patient develops hyperextension at the PIP joint and flexion at the DIP joint. What is this deformity and what condition is it associated with?
What is Swan neck deformity seen in Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Synovial fluid analysis from a patient with chronic knee pain shows non-inflammatory fluid with low white blood cell count. What is the most likely diagnosis?
What is Osteoarthritis?
Which inflammatory mediators contribute to cartilage degradation in osteoarthritis despite it being considered a non-inflammatory condition?
What are cytokines such as IL-1 and TNF-alpha?
For Osteoarthritis in the knee, this procedure is often considered when conservative treatments, such as NSAIDs and physical therapy, fail.
What is total knee replacement?
A patient with Osteoarthritis develops a painful, swollen mass behind the knee. What is this condition called, and what could be a complication if left untreated?
What is a Baker’s cyst with rupture mimicking DVT?
A 48-year-old man presents with 2 hours of morning stiffness, low-grade fever, and symmetric swelling of the MCP joints with decreased grip strength.
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
A patient with rheumatoid arthritis has chronic dry eyes and dry mouth. What is the most appropriate initial test to evaluate this associated condition?
What are anti-Ro/SSA and anti-La/SSB antibodies?
How do anti-CCP antibodies contribute to joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis?
What is immune-mediated inflammation and amplification of synovial damage?
A patient with moderate-to-severe Rheumatoid Arthritis who is still symptomatic despite using methotrexate might benefit from this non-pharmacological intervention to control disease progression.
What is physical therapy and joint protection techniques?
A patient with Rheumatoid Arthritis presents with a swollen, painful wrist, fever, and weight loss. You suspect septic arthritis due to Rheumatoid Arthritis. What would be the best next step in management?
What is joint aspiration with synovial fluid analysis and culture?
A 72-year-old patient with obesity presents with chronic knee pain and stiffness after inactivity. X-ray shows joint space narrowing, osteophytes, and subchondral sclerosis.
What is Osteoarthritis?
A patient with a positive family history of Rheumatoid Arthritis is at higher risk for developing the condition. Which gene is most strongly associated with the development of Rheumatoid Arthritis?
What is the HLA-DR4 gene?
How does chondrocyte apoptosis contribute to osteoarthritis progression?
Answer: What is reduced cartilage repair and increased matrix breakdown?
In patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis who are pregnant, this drug, considered safer during pregnancy, is often used as a disease-modifying agent.
What is hydroxychloroquine?
A patient with long-standing rheumatoid arthritis develops neutropenia, splenomegaly, and recurrent infections. What is this complication called?
What is Felty syndrome?