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Rheumatology - Diseases & USMLE MCQs
8 clinical summaries in rheumatology - each with pathophysiology, presentation, diagnosis, management, high-yield pearls, sample USMLE MCQs and an illustration from our medical library. Free to read, no login.
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Chronic inflammatory arthritis primarily affecting the sacroiliac joints and spine; strong HLA-B27 association leading to bamboo-spine ankylosis.
Reviewed 12 Jul 2026
Giant Cell Arteritis (Temporal Arteritis)
Granulomatous large-vessel vasculitis of the aorta and its extracranial branches in adults >50 y. Vision loss from anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy is the feared complication.
Reviewed 3 May 2026
Gout
Monosodium urate (MSU) crystal arthritis from chronic hyperuricaemia. Acute monoarthritis of the first MTP (podagra) is classic; long-term urate-lowering therapy prevents recurrence and tophi.
Reviewed 4 Jul 2026
Kawasaki Disease
Acute self-limited medium-vessel vasculitis of childhood (peak 6 mo-5 y). Untreated it causes coronary artery aneurysms in ~25% of children.
Reviewed 28 Jun 2026
Osteoarthritis
Degenerative joint disease with progressive articular cartilage loss, subchondral sclerosis and osteophyte formation; most common cause of chronic joint pain.
Reviewed 10 Jun 2026
Osteoporosis
Systemic skeletal disorder with reduced bone mass and microarchitectural deterioration causing fragility fractures; T-score <=-2.5 on DEXA.
Reviewed 23 Jun 2026
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Chronic symmetric autoimmune synovitis driven by anti-CCP and rheumatoid factor. Pannus erodes cartilage and bone, causing deformity. Early DMARD therapy prevents disability.
Reviewed 1 Jun 2026
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
Multisystem autoimmune disease with type III immune complex deposition. Malar rash, arthritis, serositis, nephritis, cytopenias and antinuclear antibodies. Hydroxychloroquine underpins all therapy.
Reviewed 3 Jun 2026
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