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Rheumatoid Arthritis Evaluation: Diagnostic Criteria
In order to make the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, 4 of the following list must be present:
  • Morning joint stiffness that lasts for more than 1 hour
  • Joint pains and joint swelling in 3 or more joints
  • Joint swelling in least one of the following joint groups:
    • Metacarpophalangeal: the large knuckle at the base of the finger Images
    • Proximal interphalangeal: the first knuckle in the finger Images
    • Wrists
  • Joint swelling on both sides of the body
  • Rheumatoid nodules:
    • Soft lumps under the skin near a joint
  • Positive rheumatoid factor blood test
  • X-ray findings consistent with rheumatoid arthritis Images
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Last Updated: Nov 6, 2008  References
Authors: Stephen J. Schueler, MD; John H. Beckett, MD; D. Scott Gettings, MD
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