Rheumatic Diseases

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic autoimmune disease characterized by persistent synovial inflammation, leading to joint destruction, pain, and disability if untreated.

RA primarily affects small joints in a symmetrical pattern, and is associated with systemic features such as fatigue, low-grade fever, and extra-articular manifestations (e.g., interstitial lung disease, rheumatoid nodules). Early diagnosis and prompt initiation of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are crucial to prevent irreversible joint damage. The diagnosis is supported by clinical criteria (such as morning stiffness >1 hour, joint involvement), serologic markers (RF, anti-CCP), and imaging findings (US/MRI may reveal synovitis or erosions).