ABSTRACT
Chronic, symmetrical inflammatory polyarthropathy that can be deforming. In Rheumatoid Factor positive disease, rheumatoid nodules may be present – these typically overly the extensor surfaces, most commonly the elbow (and rarely lung). Early treatment (particularly with newer drugs) decreases the frequency of systemic complications. Triad of arthritis (asymmetrical, large joints), conjunctivitis and urethritis. Clinical features: commonly asymptomatic with only radiological evidence of disease (chondrocalcinosis) but may present as: acute mono- or oligoarthritis: commonly knee or wrist, secondary osteoarthritis: can affect many joints including MCP joints (rare in primary OA) and similar to RA. An autoimmune disease causing lymphocytic infiltration of the exocrine glands (predominantly lacrimal and salivary glands). There are patients who present with ‘overlap syndromes’ – features of different connective tissue diseases.
