Information ⬇
- History and physical examination with careful examination of all joints.
- Rheumatoid factor (RF) is present in >66% of pts; its presence correlates with severe disease, nodules, extra-articular features.
- Antibodies to cyclic citrullinated protein (anti-CCP) have similar sensitivity but higher specificity than RF; may be most useful in early RA; presence most common in pts with aggressive disease with a tendency for developing bone erosions.
- Other laboratory data: CBC, ESR.
- Synovial fluid analysis: useful to rule out crystalline disease, infection.
- Radiographs: juxta-articular osteopenia, joint space narrowing, marginal erosions. CXR should be obtained.
Outline ⬆