What primary healthcare professionals need to know about GCA

Temporal arteritis is an inflammatory rheumatologic disorder that typically occurs in those over the age of 50. It can have devastating complications including loss of vision and stroke. It can have various presentations and can be challenging ...

What primary healthcare professionals need to know about polymyalgia rheumatica

Polymyalgia rheumatica was first described in 1966 in a case report. The condition has a wide range of symptoms and can be challenging to diagnose at times. As with most rheumatologic conditions, the exact cause isn't known.

Sjogren syndrome: The basics

Sjogren syndrome is an autoimmune disorder that has a somewhat unusual presentation. In addition to having arthralgias, patients often develop dry mouth and dry eyes. Symptoms can vary from person to person. Sjogren syndrome also commonly ...

When to suspect RA

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune condition. While it typically results in a symmetrical and erosive arthritis, many patients with rheumatoid arthritis have an atypical presentation and up to 40% have extra-articular ...

Is it always lupus?

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease with a variety of immunologic and laboratory abnormalities as well as numerous clinical manifestations. It can affect almost every organ and has the potential ...

When are rheumatology labs indicated?

Mayo Clinic has multiple laboratory tests available to help us diagnose rheumatologic conditions: rheumatoid factor, ANA, ESR, CRP and more. It’s gotten quite confusing trying to decide which tests to order when we suspect a specific rheumatologic ...