Rheumatic Conditions We Diagnose and Manage

Arthritis is an umbrella term for a group of joint conditions with different underlying causes. Depending on the type, it may develop gradually over time or result from inflammation, infection or an abnormal immune response.

Occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones wears down over time, leading to pain and swelling.

Unlike arthritis, which affects the joints, soft tissue rheumatism involves the supporting structures around the joints.

A type of inflammatory arthritis characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and swelling in the joints.

Pseudogout is a type of arthritis caused by the deposition of calcium pyrophosphate crystals in the joints.

A chronic inflammatory disorder that primarily affects the joints but can also have systemic effects, impacting various organs and tissues.

Typically occurs in individuals with psoriasis, a chronic skin condition characterised by red, scaly patches of skin.

A group of inflammatory rheumatic diseases that primarily affect the spine and, in some cases, the peripheral joints.

Also known as Reiter’s syndrome, it is a type of inflammatory arthritis that occurs as a reaction to an infection elsewhere in the body.

Unlike reactive arthritis, which is triggered by an active infection, post-infective arthritis develops after the infection has been resolved.

Osteoporosis is a condition characterised by weakened bones, making them fragile and more prone to fractures.

Commonly known as lupus, SLE is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect multiple organ systems in the body.

A chronic autoimmune disease characterised by the body’s immune system mistakenly attacking its own moisture-producing glands.

A rare, chronic autoimmune disease characterised by hardening and tightening of the skin and connective tissues.

Myositis is a group of rare autoimmune diseases characterised by inflammation and degeneration of muscle tissue.

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disorder characterised by antiphospholipid antibodies in the blood.

A serious condition where the lung tissue becomes inflamed and scarred as a result of an underlying connective tissue disease.

A serious and potentially life-threatening condition where high blood pressure develops in the lungs’ arteries as a result of an underlying connective tissue disease.

A group of autoimmune conditions that cause inflammation of blood vessels, potentially affecting the skin, joints and internal organs.

A chronic inflammatory condition that causes recurrent mouth and genital ulcers, eye inflammation and, in some cases, blood vessel swelling throughout the body.

An inflammatory condition in which clusters of immune cells, known as granulomas, develop in organs such as the lungs, lymph nodes, skin and eyes.

An immune-mediated condition that causes inflammation and enlargement of affected organs, often involving the pancreas, salivary glands, kidneys or other tissues.

A rare inflammatory condition characterised by recurring high fevers, joint pain and a distinctive salmon-coloured rash, which may also affect other organs.