Pain and swelling in the hands and wrists of a 45-year-old woman

What is the most likely diagnosis?

The most likely diagnosis is rheumatoid arthritis. A thorough history and physical examination are important in distinguishing rheumatoid arthritis from other causes of polyarthritis, such as systemic lupus erythematosus and other connective tissue diseases, spondyloarthritis with peripheral joint involvement, joint infections, crystalline arthritis and osteoarthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis should be suspected on the basis of clinical findings: bilateral and symmetric peripheral joint pain and swelling, particularly in small joints, and morning stiffness for more than 30 minutes.1 The classification criteria for rheumatoid arthritis were revised in 2010 to increase the chances of early detection (Box 1).1 In a study involving 2258 patients with early rheumatoid arthritis, the new criteria had a sensitivity of 71%–84% and a specificity of 60%–74% for detection.2 This implies that there are risks of false-negative and false-positive diagnoses, particularly when the probablity of having the disease is low in a primary care setting. Therefore, the criteria may serve as a guide but should not be used in isolation.

Canadian consensus statements, supported by findings from cohort studies and randomized controlled trials, stress the importance of early diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis and prompt initiation of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs to prevent long-term damage and disability.3^,4

What laboratory tests should be ordered?

Consensus statements recommend measuring the erythrocyte sedimentation rate or the C-reactive protein level or both in cases of suspected rheumatoid arthritis; however, these tests are nonspecific.1^,4 Detecting the presence of the antibodies associated with rheumatoid arthritis, such as rheumatoid factor (RF) and anticitrullinated peptide antibody (commonly measured as anticyclic citrullinated peptide antibody [anti-CCP2]) is also recommended to aid in diagnosis.1

Systematic reviews of the diagnostic value of antibodies in undifferentiated inflammatory arthritis showed that antibodies associated with rheumatoid arthritis are predictive of the disease (positive likelihood ratio 1.1–13.5 for rheumatoid factor and 12.7 for anti-CCP2).5^,6 However, rheumatoid factor can be found in other conditions, such as bacterial endocarditis, hepatitis C virus infection and primary biliary cirrhosis, whereas anti-CCP2 has a higher specificity for rheumatoid arthritis (96% v. 86%).6 Testing for anti-CCP2 and rheumatoid factor is not helpful for ruling out disease, because up to 50% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis are antibody-negative.6 It should be performed only if persistent synovitis is present, and antibody status should not be used in isolation to rule in or rule out the disease.7

Is radiography necessary?

Radiography in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis may only show nonspecific findings, such as osteopenia. However, the presence of erosions typical of rheumatoid arthritis is diagnostic.3 Thus, radiographs of the hands and feet should be done when inflammatory arthritis is suspected, as recommended by the Canadian Rheumatology Association consensus statement.4

Should this patient be referred to an arthritis care specialist?

Even if a patient does not meet the classification criteria for rheumatoid arthritis, referral to an arthritis care specialist may be warranted. A Canadian consensus statement stresses that identification of persistent synovitis (duration ≥6 wk) on examination remains the most reliable diagnostic finding for patients requiring urgent referral, even if they do not meet the diagnostic criteria.3 A referral should also be made if other types of inflammatory arthritis are suspected based on clinical assessment (i.e., inflammatory back pain or multiorgan disease).

Case revisited

The patient’s laboratory test results showed elevated C-reactive protein, rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP2 levels that were more than three times the upper limit of normal. No erosive change was noted on radiographs. The total score using the 2010 classification criteria was 8 (3 points for involvement of 4–10 small joints; 3 for high-positive rheumatoid factor or anti-CCP2 value; 1 for abnormal C-reactive protein level or erythrocyte sedimentation rate; and 1 for duration ≥ 6 wk). The patient was referred to an arthritis care specialist, and therapy with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs was started.