The Difficult Rheumatology Diagnosis

Ethiop J Health Sci. 2018 Jan;28(1):101-102. doi: 10.4314/ejhs.v28i1.13.

Abstract

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis is a devastating condition. More so, the diagnosis of seronegative rheumatoid arthritis is often fraught off with much uncertainty and that leads to further suffering to the unfortunate patient.

Case details: This is a case of Madam A, who presented with many non-specific symptoms and signs involving many systems which was finally diagnosed as seronegative rheumatoid arthritis. This case explores the challenges in reaching this uncommon diagnosis and how anti-inflammatory drugs can bring a miraculous relief to the patient's suffering.

Conclusion: The diagnosis of seronegative rheumatoid arthritis often presents a real challenge to the medical practitioner and often requires multiple visits and/or shared multidisciplinary care for confirmation of the diagnosis. Once diagnosed and treated with disease modifying anti- rheumatic drugs, often there is a miraculous relief to the patient's suffering.

Keywords: DMARD; Seronegative; prednisolone; rheumatoid arthritis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Antirheumatic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / diagnosis*
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / drug therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Rheumatology

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Antirheumatic Agents