Polyarthritis

Question 1

What is the formal definition of polyarthritis?

Answer 1

Inflammation of five or more joints occurring simultaneously within the first six weeks of symptom onset.

Question 2

Polyarthritis: What are the key clinical features on joint examination?

Answer 2

Pain, swelling, warmth, stiffness, and reduced range of movement affecting multiple joints.

Question 3

Polyarthritis: What systemic symptoms commonly accompany inflammatory polyarthritis?

Answer 3

Fever, malaise, weight loss, and fatigue due to systemic inflammation.

Question 4

Polyarthritis: Which joint involvement pattern is typical of rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer 4

Symmetrical small-joint polyarthritis.

Question 5

Polyarthritis: Which joint involvement pattern is typical of psoriatic arthritis?

Answer 5

Asymmetrical involvement, often including DIP joints and dactylitis.

Question 6

Polyarthritis: Which viral infections commonly cause acute polyarthritis?

Answer 6

EBV, HIV, hepatitis B/C, rubella, and mumps.

Question 7

Polyarthritis: Which bacterial infection classically causes migratory polyarthritis?

Answer 7

Disseminated gonococcal infection.

Question 8

Polyarthritis: Which granulomatous condition can present with polyarthritis?

Answer 8

Sarcoidosis.

Question 9

Polyarthritis: Which vasculitis may present with arthralgia or arthritis alongside purpura?

Answer 9

Henoch-Schönlein purpura (IgA vasculitis).

Question 10

Polyarthritis: Which crystal arthropathy can mimic inflammatory polyarthritis?

Answer 10

Calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease (pseudogout).

Question 11

Polyarthritis: Which systemic autoimmune condition often presents with non-erosive polyarthritis?

Answer 11

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Question 12

Polyarthritis: Which serological tests are useful in evaluating inflammatory polyarthritis?

Answer 12

RF, anti-CCP, ANA, ENA panel, CRP, and ESR.

Question 13

Polyarthritis: What key red flag suggests infective polyarthritis?

Answer 13

Fever with an acutely swollen joint and raised inflammatory markers.

Question 14

Polyarthritis: Which condition should be suspected in a sexually active young person with tenosynovitis and polyarthralgia?

Answer 14

Disseminated gonococcal infection.