New Onset Arthritis

undefined

new onset arthritis
By Alan K. Matsumoto, M.D. (22-Apr-2005)

Question  age 42 female, new onset arthritis with warm swollen peripheral and central joints, warm, tender for 1 month unresponsive to doxcycline. family history: celiac sprue with associated arthritis symptoms
social history: frequent traveler to area where Lyme disease endemic, has positive chronic titers.
best diagnostic tests and plan?
 
Answer  Nothing replaces an in person consultation with a rheumatologist. Virtually all types of arthritis are diagnosed clinically-- based on the history and physical exam. Bloodwork is ordered based on the clinical suspicions. However for efficiency, it is reasonable to have a rheumatoid factor, ANA, sedimentation rate and c-reactive protein done prior to the rheumatology consultation-- but normal values should not prevent you from going ahead with the consultation.

Last update: 07:55 PM Tuesday, April 10, 2007

Related Questions: