Which tissue is primarily affected in rheumatoid arthritis?

Prepare for the CMS II Rheumatology E1 Exam with our comprehensive quiz. Study using flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready for success!

Multiple Choice

Which tissue is primarily affected in rheumatoid arthritis?

Explanation:
Rheumatoid arthritis primarily targets the synovial lining of joints. In RA, the synovium becomes inflamed and proliferates, forming pannus that invades and destroys adjacent cartilage and subchondral bone. This makes the synovium the main tissue affected early in the disease. Damage to cartilage and bone happens as a secondary result of the chronic synovitis, and tendons may become involved as the disease progresses, but the initiating and defining tissue is the synovium.

Rheumatoid arthritis primarily targets the synovial lining of joints. In RA, the synovium becomes inflamed and proliferates, forming pannus that invades and destroys adjacent cartilage and subchondral bone. This makes the synovium the main tissue affected early in the disease. Damage to cartilage and bone happens as a secondary result of the chronic synovitis, and tendons may become involved as the disease progresses, but the initiating and defining tissue is the synovium.

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