U.C.L.A. Rheumatology Pathophysiology of Disease Course Lecture,
Second Year Medical School 1997
Frequently Asked Questions Page 75
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#5. What is the most distinguishing feature to diagnose Rheumatoid arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by a symmetrical polyarthritis especially of the small joints of the hands. The arthritis is potentially destructive and can be observed as erosions in X-rays.
Figure 6. A schematic of the inflammation and erosions in Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Figure 5. A hand xray in Rheumatoid Arthritis demonstrating erosions and resulting joint destruction. Also see RA Figure 6.
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