Information ⬇
- Pursuit of triggering infection by culture, serology, or molecular methods as clinically suggested.
- Rheumatoid factor and ANA negative.
- Mild anemia, leukocytosis, elevated ESR may be seen.
- HLA-B27 association was initially overestimated with recent studies showing a prevalence <50%. May be helpful in atypical cases and may have prognostic significance.
- HIV screening should be performed in all pts.
- Synovial fluid analysis—often very inflammatory; negative for crystals or infection.
- Radiographs—erosions may be seen with new periosteal bone formation, ossification of entheses, sacroiliitis (often unilateral).
Outline ⬆