definitionA chronic systemic disease, primarily of the joints, marked by inflammatory changes in the synovial membranes and articular structures, widespread fibrinoid degeneration of the collagen fibers in mesenchymal tissues, and by atrophy and rarefaction of bony structures. Etiology is unknown, but autoimmune mechanisms have been implicated. |
synonymsChronic Polyarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis |
UMLSArthritides, Rheumatoid, ARTHRITIS RHEUMATOID, Arthritis, rheumatic, Arthritis, Rheumatoid, Atrophic arthritis, Chronic rheumatic arthritis, RA - Rheumatoid arthritis, RhA - Rheumatoid arthritis, Rheumatic gout, Rheumatoid Arthritides, Rheumatoid arthritis, Rheumatoid disease |
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