Polyarthritis

The aim of this topic is to review the common causes of polyarthritis. In addition, the common clinical features of rheumatic diseases, and the underlying pathology of these disorders should be discussed.

Learning objectives:

At the completion of this topic you should be able to:

1. Describe the different types of joints and describe the normal anatomy of a di-arthrodial joint
2. Classify polyarthritis based on the major disease processes.
3. Appreciate the difference between degenerative joint disease and synovitis.
4. Describe the pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis.
5. Outline the histological changes that occur within the joint in rheumatoid synovitis.
6. Describe the extra articular manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis.
7. Discuss the pathophysiology of seronegative arthropathies - ankylosing spondylitis, Reiter syndrome, reactive arthritis, psoriatic arthritis.
8. Describe the changes found in the synovial fluid in the different types of arthropathies.
9. Outline the role of genetic factors in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis and the seronegative arthropathies.

1. Discuss the following statement: "The clinical effects of rheumatoid arthritis are due to a combination of type III and type IV hypersensitivity."
2. Write brief notes on the pathogenesis and complications of Reiter syndrome.

Case protocol associated with this topic - 33

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