Arthritis of the neck
Cervical myelopathy secondary to atlantoaxial subluxation is an uncommon but particularly worrisome complication potentially causing permanent, even fatal neurologic damage. arthritis of the neck Osteo rheumatoid arthritis. (top of section) Felty's Syndrome Felty's syndrome is nowadays a rare complication of rheumatoid arthritis and is characterized by splenomegaly, and leukopenia - predominantly granulocytopenia. Recurrent bacterial infections and chronic refractory leg ulcers are the major complications. (top of section) Rheumatoid Vasculitis The most common clinical manifestations of vasculitis are small digital infarcts along the nailbeds. arthritis of the neck Pain scales. The abrupt onset of an ischemic mononeuropathy (mononeuritis multiplex) or progressive scleritis is typical of rheumatoid vasculitis. The syndrome ordinarily emerges after years of seropositive, persistently active rheumatoid arthritis; however, vasculitis may occur when joints are inactive. (slide) (top of section) Sjogren's Syndrome Approximately 10 to 15% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, mostly women develop Sjogren's syndrome, a chronic inflammatory disorder characterized by lymphocytic infiltration of lacrimal and salivary glands. arthritis of the neck Arthritis and smoking and statistics. This leads to impaired secretion of saliva and tears and results in the sicca complex: dry mouth (xerostomia) and dry eyes (keratoconjunctivitis sicca). Patients with Sjogren's syndrome have a variable expression of disease in other exocrine glands. This is manifested clinically as dry skin, decreased perspiration, dry vaginal membranes, or a nonproductive cough. Commonly, there is also a polyclonal lymphoproliferative reaction characterized by lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly. This can mimic and rarely transform into a malignant lymphoma. (top of section) (top of page) Clinical Course The course of rheumatoid arthritis cannot be predicted in a given patient. Several patterns of activity have been described: a spontaneous remission particularly in the seronegative patient within the first 6 months of symptoms (less than 10%) recurrent explosive attacks followed by periods of quiescence most commonly in the early phases the usual pattern of persistent and progressive disease activity that waxes and wanes in intensity. Disability is higher among patients with rheumatoid arthritis with 60% being unable to work 10 years after the onset of their disease. Recent studies have demonstrated an increased mortality in rheumatoid patients. Median life expectancy was shortened an average of 7 years for men and 3 years for women compared to control populations.
Arthritis of the neck
Abdominal || Cats-arthritis || Cats-arthritis || Neck pain and headaches