The 1990 ACR criteria for temporal arteritis can be remembered using the mnemonic: TEMPL3 T: Temporal artery abnormality (Tenderness or reduced pulse) E: Elevated ESR (50 mm/hr or more) M: Multinucleate giant cells (Present on biopsy) P: Pain (New onset localized headache) L: Later life (Age 50 years or over…
Tag: Rheumatology
PGMEE, MRCS, USMLE, MBBS, MD/MS 
Fibromyalgia : Mnemonic Approach
Clinical Features Mnemonic: FIBRO 1. Fatigue: 80-90% 2. Fibrofog: Dyscognition or Cognitive impairment e.g. trouble concentrating, forgetfulness, and disorganized or slow thinking 3. Insomnia: 90% 4. Blues: Depression and anxiety 5. Rigidity: Prolonged early morning stiffness not relieved by exercise and absence of synovitis 6. Ow!: Pain (the predominant symptom)…
Clinical Skills and Approaches 
Mnemonic Based Approach to Joint Pain
Step 1: Arthralgia vs Arthritis Arthralgia Arthritis Symptom Diagnosis Joint pain without inflammation Joint pain with inflammation (swelling, redness, tenderness) Articular or Non-articular Articular Articular Non-articular Pain with all joint ROMs Pain with only some joint ROMs Most painful at the limit of joint ROM May not be most painful…
PGMEE, MRCS, USMLE, MBBS, MD/MS 
Boutonniere and Swan neck Deformity – Pathophysiology
Understanding of the Boutonniere and Swan neck deformity requires clear concept of the finger extensor apparatus, which has been discussed here. The extrinsic extensor tendons trifurcate giving a central slip which attaches to the middle phalanx base and two lateral slips which join with lateral band (formed by intrinsic muscles…
PGMEE, MRCS, USMLE, MBBS, MD/MS 
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) : Mnemonic Approach
Synonym: Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JIA) Diagnosis of JIA Mnemonic: One Six Sixteen (1, 6, 16) 1: Inflammation of atleast 1 joint (joint involvement: knee > wrist/hand > ankle > hip > c-spine) 6: Lasting for atleast 6 weeks 16: Onset before 16 years age In order to confirm the diagnosis,…
PGMEE, MRCS, USMLE, MBBS, MD/MS 
Rheumatoid Arthritis Criteria Mnemonics
The 2 commonly used criteria for diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis will be discussed here. 1987 ACR Criteria Mnemonic: DMARDs if MADRAS Mnemonic: EARS For diagnosis of RA: 4 out of 7 criteria must be present (except duration) and criteria listed above in number 1, 2, 7 and 8 must be…
PGMEE, MRCS, USMLE, MBBS, MD/MS 
Synovial Fluid Analysis – Made Easy
What investigations to order for synovial fluid sample? Mnemonic: 5 Cs Chemistry (pH, LDH, glucose, protein) Cell counts Cytology Culture Crystals Interpretation of synovial fluid analysis Gross Normal Non-inflammatory Inflammatory Septic Crystal Hemorrhagic Volume (ml) <3.5 >3.5 >3.5 >3.5 >3.5 >3.5 Viscosity High High Low Variable Variable Variable Color Colorless…