Don't forget tuberculosis
Article Abstract:
Tuberculosis may cause bone and cartilage damage in joints. A 65-year-old white man who injured his thumb while gardening, and a 66-year-old Asian woman with pain in her left elbow and forearm were both diagnosed with tuberculosis. Treatment was delayed in both cases because TB was not suspected when they first sought treatment. Diagnosis of TB affecting bones and joints may be delayed, especially in white patients, because doctors may not suspect it. Treatment delays can result in severe damage to the joint. Diagnosis can be confirmed by removing fluid from the joint and culturing it. Negative skin tests do not rule out TB.
Publication Name: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4967
Year: 1995
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Systemic lupus erythematosus: an occasional misdiagnosis
Article Abstract:
The symptoms of sarcoidosis and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) may be quite similar. Doctors determined that a 54-year-old patient had SLE based on characteristic symptoms including joint pain, fever, mouth sores, elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, positive antinuclear antibody test, and immune responses in a skin tissue test. Later liver function and liver tissue tests revealed that the patient had sarcoidosis. The patient did not, however, have disease in the lymph or fatty tissue. Treatment with azathioprine and steroids effectively controlled this condition.
Publication Name: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4967
Year: 1996
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Diagnosis and monitoring of central nervous system involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus: value of F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose PET
Article Abstract:
PET imaging can identify brain areas with abnormally low metabolism in patients with lupus that is affecting their brain. Brain metabolism may return to normal if symptoms resolve, according to a study of 28 patients with lupus.
Publication Name: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4967
Year: 2000
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