What are the pathological characteristics of rheumatoid arthritis?
I have had rheumatoid arthritis for many years, and I would like to understand its pathological characteristics.
Doctor's answer (1)
Rheumatoid arthritis, also known as rheumatoid disease, is a chronic, systemic autoimmune disorder. Its pathological features include the following:
1. Synovial inflammation: Inflammation occurs in the synovial membrane of the joints, leading to joint swelling and pain. As the disease progresses, synovitis may further invade connective tissues such as tendons and ligaments, and even affect bone tissue and articular cartilage.
2. Multifocal involvement: Rheumatoid arthritis can affect multiple joints, commonly involving small joints such as those in the fingers, toes, wrists, and ankles. As the condition progresses, it may gradually involve larger joints such as the knees and shoulders.
3. Bone erosion: Patients with rheumatoid arthritis frequently develop bone erosion. X-ray examinations may reveal irregularly shaped bone defects at the joint margins, caused by activation of osteoclasts and increased bone resorption during the inflammatory process.
4. Migratory and symmetrical pain: In the early stages, joint pain often migrates from one joint to another and is typically distributed symmetrically.
