Rheumatology Quiz on Arthritis Types

Study Notes

Rheumatology

Gout Arthritis:
- Characterized by high uric acid levels.
- Acute phase presents with pain, swelling, and redness.
- Initial treatment involves colchicine and NSAIDs.
- Chronic phase involves tophi formation.
- Long-term management involves allopurinol and probenecid.
Pseudogout:
- Similar symptoms to gout but with different crystal type.
- Diagnosis confirmed via arthrocentesis, revealing weakly birefringent crystals.
- Treatment generally similar to gout.
Rheumatoid Arthritis:
- Autoimmune inflammatory condition.
- Characterized by bilateral joint pain, morning stiffness lasting >30 min.
- Rheumatoid nodules may be present
- Key diagnostic tool includes anti-CCP antibodies.
- Initial treatment involves NSAIDS, later biologics and DMARDs.
Osteoarthritis:
- Degenerative joint disease.
- Common symptoms include joint pain and stiffness.
- Heberden's and Bouchard's nodes are common findings.
- Treatment typically focuses on pain relief and joint protection.
- Diagnoised with radiographic imaging like X-rays and MRI.
- Grades based on the extent of joint deterioration.
Septic Arthritis:
- Infection of the joints.
- Often caused by Staphylococcus aureus.
- Significant joint pain, swelling and redness.
- Prompt treatment with antibiotics is crucial.
Spondylolisthesis:
- Vertebral slippage.
- Pain in the back is a common symptom
- Diagnosis via X-ray or MRI.
Spondylolysis:
- Defect or fracture of the pars interarticularis.
- Typically asymptomatic in early stages.
- Diagnosis can be confirmed through radiographic examination (X-ray)
Spondilosis:
- Degenerative condition causing spinal stenosis.
- Gradual onset of spinal pain.
- Diagnosis from imaging such as X-ray or MRI
Ankylosing Spondylitis:
- Inflammatory condition affecting the spine.
- Characterized by progressive spine fusion.
- Diagnosis via X-ray revealing "bamboo spine" appearance.
Skoliosis:
- Curvature of the spine.
- Diagnosed via physical examination and X-ray.
Synovitis:
- Inflammation of the synovial membrane.
- Often a symptom of various rheumatic diseases.
Tenosinovitis (Supurative):
- Infection in tendons and their sheaths.
- Can be acute or chronic.
- Kanavel's signs and Finkelstein test can guide diagnosis.
Osteoporosis:
- Bone loss resulting in increased risk of fractures.
- Often diagnosed using DEXA scans.
- Can be primary or secondary.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE):
- Autoimmune disease affecting multiple body systems.
- Characterized by a range of symptoms, including joint pain, skin rashes, and internal organ involvement.
- Diagnosed based on clinical presentation, with laboratory tests for ANA titers and specific autoantibodies.