Arthritis, Rheumatoid

Basics

Description

  • Chronic systemic inflammatory disorder that attacks the joints:
    • Nonsuppurative, proliferative synovitis
    • Destruction of the articular cartilage
    • Ankylosis of the joint
  • Involvement of knee is common
  • Baker cysts may be seen in chronic disease
  • Involvement of spine is limited to cervical region:
    • May cause atlantoaxial subluxation
    • Rarely results in cord compression

Pediatric Considerations
Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) is a distinct entity (see “Arthritis, Juvenile Idiopathic”)
  • Genetics:
    • Genetic predisposition related to HLA-DR4
    • Female-to-male ratio is 3:1
    • Typical age of onset is between 30–50

Etiology

  • Etiology is unknown
  • Possible triggers include infection and autoimmune response
  • Prevalence is about 1% of both U.S. and world population

There's more to see -- the rest of this topic is available only to subscribers.

© 2000–2025 Unbound Medicine, Inc. All rights reserved