Diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis: (American College of Rheumatology Criteria)
1. Morning stiffness > 1 hour
2. Arthritis of three or more joints
3. Arthritis of joints of the hand
4. Symmetrical arthritis(presence on right and left sides of the body in a symmetric fashion)
5. Rheumatoid nodules: presence of bumps(nodules) in the body
6. Serum rheumatoid factor( a positive blood test for Rheumatoid factor)
7. X-ray changes: PA wrist radiographs: erosions, decalcifications, juxta articular osteopenia
Presence of Four of the seven is diagnostic; but symptoms should be present for >6 weeks duration
Leave a Reply