Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, destructive, inflammatory arthropathy manifested by articular and extra-articular features. Ra has profound effects on patient function and morbidity and exerts a substantial economic burden on the affected persons. This article briefly summarizes the clinical presentation of synovial inflammation and cartilage destruction that occurs in patients with RA. The hallmark feature of RA is persistent symmetric polyarthritis (synovitis) that affects the hands and feet, although any joint lined by a synovial membrane may be involved.
The severity of RA may fluctuate over time, but chronic RA most commonly results in the progressive development of various degrees of joint destruction, deformity, and a significant decline in functional status. Extra-articular involvement of organs such as the skin, heart, lungs, and eyes can also be significant. Juvenile…
