The evaluation of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis begins with a history and physical exam.

Physical findings near the joint in a child with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis include:

• Decreased range of motion
• Deformity
• Joint redness
• Joint swelling
• Joint tenderness
• Joint warmth

Additional physical findings in a child with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis may include:

• Enlarged liver
• Enlarged spleen
• Eye redness
• Muscle weakness
• Rash
• Rheumatoid nodules:
• Soft swelling over the bones of various joints

Tests that may be used to evaluate juvenile rheumatoid arthritis include:

• ANA titers
• Anti-microsomal antibodies
• Anti-mitochondrial antibodies
• Complement titers
• Complete blood count
• Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
• Rheumatoid factor
• LE cell prep

Additional tests that may be used to evaluate juvenile rheumatoid arthritis include:

• Arthrocentesis
• Arthroscopy
• Bone scan
• CT scan
• Joint x-rays
• MRI of joint