 |
Occult rheumatoid arthritis (ORR) is a type of rheumatoid arthritis in which specific antibodies (such as rheumatoid factor or anti-CCP) are not detected in the patient's blood, despite symptoms. Diagnosis relies more on clinical examination, medical history, and imaging findings, rather than blood tests alone. The patient's condition may improve or worsen over time, and test results may later become positive, necessitating a reassessment of the diagnosis.
|
|
|
|
Diagnosis based on symptoms: Due to negative test results, diagnosis relies more on clinical symptoms, such as joint pain, swelling, stiffness, inflammation, and fatigue
|
|
|
|
Importance of clinical examination and x-rays: Doctors focus on the patient's medical history, physical examination of the joints (such as the presence of symmetrical symptoms on both sides and a number of joints), in addition to x-rays.
|
|
|
|
Variability of results:
Sometimes, antibodies may appear in a patient's blood later, or the severity of the disease may change.
|
|
|
|
Diagnostic Evolution: If laboratory results become positive over time, the physician may change the diagnosis to seropositive rheumatoid arthritis, depending on the patient's condition.
|
|
|
|
The importance of following up with a doctor: It is important to consult a healthcare team specializing in rheumatoid arthritis to determine the best coping strategies and manage the disease effectively, slowing its progression, preventing joint damage, alleviating symptoms, and reducing the chances of the condition worsening in the future. The examination and diagnosis are performed by a group of the most competent doctors in this field in the Rheumatoid Department at the International Medical Center.
|
|