Rheumatoid Arthritis Q&A – 20+ Verified Questions on Pathophysiology, Joint Deformities, Systemic Features – PATH 2025

This concise, expert-reviewed resource compiles over 20 high-yield Q&As on Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), designed for the 2025/2026 Pathology curriculum (PATH 2025). With clearly defined comparisons, disease mechanisms, joint involvement, and systemic associations, this review is ideal for mastering inflammatory arthropathies and preparing for clinical or board exams. Topics covered include: Inflammatory vs. Noninflammatory Arthropathy: RA is an inflammatory condition where joint inflammation causes damage, unlike OA where damage causes inflammation Genetics & Demographics: RA is more common in females and associated with HLA-DR4 Joint Involvement: RA is a symmetric polyarthropathy affecting MCPs, PIPs, wrists, feet, and ankles, with classic ulnar deviation Deformities: Swan neck: DIPJ flexion, PIPJ extension Boutonnière: DIPJ extension, PIPJ flexion Complications: Includes carpal tunnel syndrome, systemic symptoms (fever, weight loss, myalgias), and extra-articular manifestations like: CV and pulmonary involvement Sjogren’s syndrome Felty’s syndrome This guide is suitable for: Medical and nursing students in pathology, rheumatology, or internal medicine Board exam prep for USMLE, NCLEX, or COMLEX Clinical knowledge reinforcement during MSK blocks Keywords: rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory arthropathy, HLA-DR4, polyarthritis, symmetric arthritis, ulnar deviation, MCP joints, swan neck, boutonniere deformity, pannus, carpal tunnel, systemic RA, Felty’s syndrome, Sjogren’s, RA complications, PATH 2025