Diagnosis of Psoriatic Arthritis
The diagnosis of Psoriatic Arthritis is mostly clinical and based on history.
Most patients are likely to the known cases of psoriasis and at a later stage experience involvement of joints.
The hallmark of Psoriatic arthritis is an asymmetrical pattern of digit involvement.
Interphalangeal joint involvement is characterized by the sausage appearance of the digits (dactylitis).
The inflamed joints are swollen and have a purplish-red discoloration.
Along with joint inflammation, psoriasis may be visible on the skin of the joints.
The nail changes may be observed in many patients.
Comparison between psoriatic arthritis and rheumatic arthritis
You may view a photo of psoriatic arthritis and rheumatic arthritis to understand the difference between the two.
The chief differences are as under:
Psoriatic Arthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Distal Interphalangeal joints involvement is the most common
Distal Interphalangeal joint involvement is absent.
The asymmetrical pattern of digit involvement
It is an asymmetrical inflammatory arthritis
Purplish-red discoloration of involved joint
The joints may be hot to touch but do not look Purplish- red.
Sausage appearance of the digits is common (dactylitis)
Swan neck deformities are common
Nail lesions are present
No nail lesions
Skin lesions may be present
No skin lesions
RA factor is negative
The RA factor is positive.
Clinical judgment is quite diagnostic in the cases of Psoriatic Arthritis.