Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Disease

What this unit covers

The page brings together material on the main inflammatory and autoimmune conditions of joints and connective tissue. Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, psoriatic arthritis, reactive arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica, scleroderma and Henoch-Schonlein purpura all have their own mind maps. Lupus and vasculitis appear across maps, flashcards, flowcharts and quizzes.

Where to start

Begin with the mind maps, which give you the shape of a topic quickly. The SLE Systemic Lupus Erythematosus map branches into fatigue, fever, photosensitivity, pericarditis and lupus nephritis. The Monoarthritis map walks through a complete history and examination, then asks whether you suspect trauma, a soft tissue problem, a mechanical problem or an inflammatory one. The Rheumatoid Arthritis map covers epidemiology, risk factors such as HLA DR4 and DR1, and extra-articular features.

Then test yourself

Once a map feels familiar, move to a quiz. The quiz called Rheumatology Questions uses a realistic clinical vignette, such as a woman with joint pain and a known rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis. The 2013 rheumatology quiz asks how to tell ankylosing spondylitis from mechanical back pain. Some listed resources mention USMLE, so the flashcard deck Step 3- Rheumatology may suit those preparing for it.

1. Read a mind map on one condition.
2. Run through a flashcard deck on the same condition, such as Antiphospholipid Syndrome or Giant Cell Arteritis.
3. Take a quiz and note what you missed.
4. Go back to the map and the flowchart for that gap.

Where it sits

This unit belongs to the strand Musculoskeletal, Skin and Special Senses, within Internal medicine, pathology and clinical semiology. Teachers can borrow maps and flashcard decks for sessions, or use the quizzes as ready-made questions.

Pick one condition today, open its map, and then make your own flashcards to fill any gaps.