Asymmetric
Multisystem Processes & Disorders
Step 1: View Clinicals
A 35 year old man presents with mild pain in the joints of his fingers and toes for one year. The joints are stiff upon waking up, but the stiffness gradually wears off over a few hours. Hand functions are unaffected.
He also experienced an episode of pain in the left knee joint around 3 years ago, which subsided spontaneously, with no aftereffects.
His medical and surgical history is unremarkable, and he is not on any drugs.
A 35 year old man presents with mild pain in the joints of his fingers and toes for one year. The joints are stiff upon waking up, but the stiffness gradually wears off over a few hours. Hand functions are unaffected.
He also experienced an episode of pain in the left knee joint around 3 years ago, which subsided spontaneously, with no aftereffects.
His medical and surgical history is unremarkable, and he is not on any drugs.
Step 2: Order Relevant Investigations
1. Rheumatoid Factor
The Rheumatoid Factor assay is negative.
2. X-Ray B/L Hands
There are mild erosive changes in the center of the affected distal interphalangeal joints in both hands, with minimal juxta articular osteopenia.
3. ESR and CRP
ESR: 38 mm/1h (<20)
CRP: 4 mg/dL (0-1.0 mg/dL)
4. ANA
ANA levels are within normal parameters for his age and gender.
1. Rheumatoid Factor
The Rheumatoid Factor assay is negative.
2. X-Ray B/L Hands
There are mild erosive changes in the center of the affected distal interphalangeal joints in both hands, with minimal juxta articular osteopenia.
3. ESR and CRP
ESR: 38 mm/1h (<20)
CRP: 4 mg/dL (0-1.0 mg/dL)
4. ANA
ANA levels are within normal parameters for his age and gender.
Step 3: Select Appropriate Management
1. NSAIDs
2. Physiotherapy
3. Sulfasalazine
4. Anti-TNF
1. NSAIDs
2. Physiotherapy
3. Sulfasalazine
4. Anti-TNF