Disease guide
Rheumatoid arthritis
A chronic inflammatory condition that primarily affects joints and may also have manifestations outside the joints.
Ankylosing spondylitis
Radiographic axial spondyloarthritis: an inflammatory condition affecting the sacroiliac joints and spine.
Non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis
Axial spondyloarthritis without definite radiographic signs of sacroiliitis. Diagnosis is based on a combination of clinical findings.
Psoriatic arthritis
An inflammatory condition associated with psoriasis. It may affect joints, entheses, digits and the spine.
Reactive arthritis
Inflammatory arthritis that develops after an infection. Assessment includes identifying the preceding infection and excluding other causes of arthritis.
Arthritis associated with inflammatory bowel disease
Joint manifestations associated with inflammatory bowel disease. Follow-up may require collaboration between a rheumatologist and gastroenterologist.
Gout
A condition associated with monosodium urate crystal deposition. It may cause attacks of arthritis and the formation of tophi.
Calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease (CPPD)
Calcium pyrophosphate crystals deposited in joint tissues. Manifestations range from asymptomatic findings to acute or chronic arthritis.
Osteoarthritis
A whole-joint condition involving changes in cartilage, bone and other structures. Common features are pain and reduced function.
Osteoporosis
A skeletal condition with increased bone fragility and fracture risk. Risk assessment considers clinical factors and, when needed, bone densitometry.
Fibromyalgia
A condition involving widespread pain, often accompanied by fatigue and disturbed sleep. It can coexist with inflammatory conditions.
Systemic lupus erythematosus
A systemic autoimmune condition with varied manifestations. It may affect the skin, joints, blood, kidneys and other organs.
Sjögren’s disease
An autoimmune condition often presenting with dry eyes and mouth. Other organs may be affected in addition to the glands.
Systemic sclerosis
A systemic autoimmune condition associated with vascular changes and fibrosis. Skin and internal organ involvement require individual assessment.
Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies
A group of conditions involving inflammatory muscle disease. Some forms may also involve skin changes and other organs.
Mixed connective tissue disease
A systemic autoimmune condition combining features of several connective tissue diseases. Clinical and organ manifestations are assessed by a clinician.
Antiphospholipid syndrome
An autoimmune condition associated with thrombosis and/or specific pregnancy complications in the presence of relevant antiphospholipid antibodies.
Polymyalgia rheumatica
An inflammatory condition usually occurring after age 50, with pain and stiffness in the shoulder and pelvic girdles.
Giant cell arteritis
Vasculitis of large and medium arteries, usually occurring after age 50. Visual changes with suspected disease require urgent medical assessment.
ANCA-associated vasculitis
A group of small-vessel vasculitides: granulomatosis with polyangiitis, microscopic polyangiitis and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis.