Back to Search Start Over

Delayed diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis in an elderly patient presenting with weakness and desolation.

Authors :
Stiebitz S
von Streng T
Strickler M
Source :
BMJ case reports [BMJ Case Rep] 2021 Feb 05; Vol. 14 (2). Date of Electronic Publication: 2021 Feb 05.
Publication Year :
2021

Abstract

We describe the case of an 81-year-old man who presented with unspecific symptoms of desolation and general weakness, which led to a delayed diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The patient had not received any previous treatment as he had not been in contact with medical services for several years prior to hospital admission. This enabled advanced disease manifestations to develop, including peripheral neuropathy with distal paraparesis, lethargy and weight loss. These signs and symptoms were later recognised as extra-articular manifestations of RA and classical features of RA were less pronounced. Following extensive diagnostic testing ruling out other possible causes for the presenting symptoms, an anti-inflammatory therapy with oral glucocorticoids and methotrexate was started.<br />Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared.<br /> (© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2021. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1757-790X
Volume :
14
Issue :
2
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
BMJ case reports
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
33547118
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1136/bcr-2020-237251