Glossary of rheumatology terms

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Arthritis on the Right Hand

A

• ANCA - Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies, a group of antibodies often tested for in autoimmune disorders.
• Abatacept - A medication used to treat autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis by interfering with T-cell activation.
• Academic - Pertaining to education, research, and scholarship in an institutional or educational setting.
• Accelerated rheumatoid nodulosis - A rapid increase in the number of rheumatoid nodules, usually associated with certain rheumatoid arthritis medications.
• Achondroplasia - A genetic disorder affecting bone growth, leading to dwarfism.
• Acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans - A skin condition often associated with chronic Lyme disease.
• Acrodermatitis - Inflammation of the skin of the extremities.
• Actemra - A brand name for tocilizumab, a medication used to treat autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.
• Actinic elastosis - Degenerative changes in the skin's elastic tissues resulting from prolonged exposure to sunlight.
• Activities of daily living - Everyday tasks and functions that people need to perform to lead normal lives, often used as a measure in assessing disability.
• Acute cutaneous lupus erythematosus - A form of lupus that primarily affects the skin.
• Adalimumab - A biologic medication used to treat various autoimmune diseases by blocking TNF-alpha.
• Adherence - The extent to which a patient's behavior matches agreed recommendations from a healthcare provider.
• Adhesion molecules - Proteins that allow cells to bind to each other, often involved in inflammatory responses.
• Adhesive capsulitis - Often referred to as frozen shoulder, is a condition characterized by stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint.
• Adult-onset Still's disease - A rare inflammatory disease characterized by high fevers, rash, and joint pain.
• Aggrecanase - Enzymes that degrade aggrecan, a major component of cartilage.
• American College of Rheumatology - A professional association for rheumatologists and rheumatology health professionals.
• Amyloidosis - A group of diseases where there is an abnormal deposition of amyloid proteins in organs and tissues.
• Anakinra - A medication used to treat autoimmune diseases by blocking interleukin-1 (IL-1).
• Anetoderma - A condition characterized by localized areas of slack and wrinkled skin.
• Angiogenesis - The formation of new blood vessels, a process involved in wound healing but also in the progression of some diseases.
• Anifrolumab - A medication aimed at reducing disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
• Ankylosing spondylitis - A long-term condition in which the spine and other areas of the body become inflamed.
• Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases - A peer-reviewed medical journal covering the field of rheumatology.
• Antibody test - A blood test that looks for the presence of antibodies, which can indicate an immune response to a pathogen or to one's own body in the case of autoimmune diseases.
• Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody - A type of antibody often tested for in the diagnosis of certain autoimmune disorders.
• Antinuclear antibodies - Antibodies that target normal proteins within the nucleus of a cell, often seen in autoimmune diseases.
• Antiphospholipid antibodies - Antibodies often associated with increased risk of blood clots.
• Antiphospholipid syndrome - An autoimmune disorder characterized by the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies in the blood.
• Antisynthetase syndrome - A condition associated with interstitial lung disease, muscle inflammation, and other symptoms.
• Anxiety - A feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease that may be present in various chronic diseases.
• Apoptosis - The process of programmed cell death, which can be disrupted in diseases
• Arava - A brand name for leflunomide, a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) used to treat rheumatoid arthritis.
• Arteriosclerosis - A general term describing any hardening (and loss of elasticity) of medium or large arteries.
• Arteritis - Inflammation of the arteries that can cause pain or damage organs by restricting blood flow.
• Arthralgia - Pain in a joint.
• Arthritis Research - Scholarly articles and findings in the field of arthritis study and treatment.
• Arthritis mutilans - A severe form of arthritis that destroys and deforms joints.
• Arthritis - Inflammation of one or more joints, causing pain and stiffness that can worsen with age.
• Arthropathy - A collective term for any disease of the joints.
• Arthroscopy - A minimally invasive surgical procedure on a joint in which an examination and sometimes treatment of damage is performed using an arthroscope.
• Atherosclerosis - A disease in which plaque builds up inside your arteries, leading to heart disease and stroke.
• Atrophia maculosa cutis - A condition characterized by localized areas of severe skin atrophy.
• Atrophic polychondritis - Also known as relapsing polychondritis, a multi-systemic condition characterized by repeated episodes of inflammation and deterioration of cartilage.
• Auranofin - An oral gold compound used to treat rheumatoid arthritis.
• Aurothioglucose - An injectable gold compound used to treat rheumatoid arthritis.
• Aurotioprol - A compound containing gold, used historically to treat rheumatoid arthritis.
• Autoimmune diseases - Diseases in which the body's immune system attacks healthy cells.
• Autoinflammatory diseases - Diseases characterized by recurrent episodes of inflammation, without the high titer of autoantibodies or autoreactive T cells seen in autoimmune diseases.
• Avascular osteonecrosis - A disease resulting from the temporary or permanent loss of the blood supply to an area of bone, leading to bone death.
• Axial spondyloarthropathy - An umbrella term for inflammatory diseases of the spine and the sacroiliac joints.
• Azathioprine - An immunosuppressive medication often used in rheumatology, particularly for conditions like systemic lupus erythematosus.
• Azulfidine - A brand name for sulfasalazine, used in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and other inflammatory conditions.

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B

• B cells - A type of white blood cell that is of key importance in the immune system, known for producing antibodies.
• BASDAI - Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index, a measure used to determine the effectiveness of a treatment for ankylosing spondylitis.
• BMD - Bone Mineral Density, a measurement of the amount of minerals (such as calcium) in a precise volume of bone.
• Balus syndrome - A rare medical syndrome with features overlapping with scleroderma.
• Best Practice - Clinical practice guidelines widely accepted as improving patient outcomes in the field of rheumatology.
• Biologics - A type of medication that is produced from living organisms or contains components of living organisms.
• Blepharochalasis - An eye disorder, usually developing in children, that causes inflammation and thinning of the eyelid skin.
• Blood vessel inflammation - Inflammation of blood vessels that can affect your arteries, veins, and capillaries.
• Body mass index - A weight-to-height ratio, calculated by dividing one's weight in kilograms by the square of one’s height in meters.
• Bone mineral density - The same as BMD, a measurement indicating the strength and density of bones.
• Bone morphogenetic proteins - A group of growth factors and cytokines known for their ability to induce the formation of bone and cartilage.
• Bone necrosis - See Avascular osteonecrosis.
• Bone resorption - The process by which osteoclasts break down bone and release minerals, resulting in a transfer of calcium from bone tissue to the blood.
• Boniva - A brand name for ibandronate, a medication used to prevent and treat osteoporosis.
• Bruck syndrome - A rare genetic disorder that is characterized by the combination of osteogenesis imperfecta and congenital joint contractures.
• Bucillamine - A disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
• Bursitis - Inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs called bursae that provide cushioning around joints.
• Buschke disease / Bushke disease - A possible reference to either Buschke-Ollendorff syndrome, a connective tissue disorder, or Lichen sclerosus (previously known as lichen sclerosus et atrophicus), a skin condition. The correct term should be verified for accuracy.

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C

• C reactive protein - A protein found in the blood, the levels of which rise in response to inflammation.
• CAM - Complementary and Alternative Medicine, various medical practices that are not part of standard care.
• CAPS - Cryopyrin-Associated Periodic Syndromes, a group of rare, hereditary, inflammatory disorders.
• CCP - Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide, an antibody often present in rheumatoid arthritis.
• CDAI - Clinical Disease Activity Index, a tool used to assess the severity of rheumatoid arthritis.
• COX inhibitors - A class of drugs that inhibit cyclooxygenase enzymes involved in inflammation.
• COX - Cyclooxygenase, an enzyme that is responsible for the formation of important biological mediators.
• CPPD - Calcium Pyrophosphate Deposition Disease, a rheumatologic condition also known as pseudogout.
• CREST syndrome - A variant of scleroderma characterized by Calcinosis, Raynaud's phenomenon, Esophageal dysfunction, Sclerodactyly, and Telangiectasias.
• CRP - C-Reactive Protein, a substance produced by the liver in response to inflammation.
• Calcinosis - The deposition of calcium salts in the soft tissues.
• Calcitonin - A hormone that helps regulate calcium levels in the blood.
• Calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease - A joint disease that can result in arthritis.
• Canakinumab - A medication used to treat various inflammatory disorders by blocking interleukin-1β.
• Cardiovascular - Relating to the heart and blood vessels.
• Carpal tunnel syndrome - A condition that causes pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and arm.
• Cartilage - A resilient and smooth elastic tissue, rubber-like padding that covers and protects the ends of long bones at the joints.
• Case control study - A type of observational study that compares individuals with a disease to those without.
• Catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome - A severe form of antiphospholipid syndrome leading to multiple organ failure.
• Cell adhesion molecule - Molecules found on the cell surface that help cells stick to each other and to their surroundings.
• CellCept - A brand name for mycophenolate mofetil, a medication used to prevent organ transplant rejection and to treat certain autoimmune diseases.
• Cerebral vasculitis - Inflammation of the blood vessel walls in the brain.
• Certolizumab - An anti-TNF drug used to treat autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.
• Chalazoderma - A skin condition characterized by the formation of small, painless nodules or papules.
• Chemokines - A family of small cytokines, or proteins secreted by cells, with the ability to induce chemotaxis in nearby responsive cells.
• Chilblain lupus erythematosus - A form of lupus affecting the skin, causing painful skin lesions on the extremities.
• Childhood arthritis - Arthritis that affects children; also known as juvenile arthritis.
• Chloroquine - A medication primarily used to prevent and treat malaria, also used in rheumatology for conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
• Chondritis - Inflammation of cartilage.
• Chondrocalcinosis - Calcification of cartilage, often associated with CPPD.
• Chondrocyte - A cell that makes up the cartilage.
• Chondrogenesis - The process by which cartilage is developed.
• Chondrolysis - The degradation or loss of cartilage.
• Chronic kidney disease - Long-standing disease of the kidneys leading to renal failure.
• Churg Strauss syndrome - A disorder marked by blood vessel inflammation which can restrict blood flow to organs and tissues, also known as eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis.
• Cimzia - A brand name for certolizumab pegol, a medication used to treat autoimmune diseases.
• Clinical Rheumatology - A medical journal

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D

• DEXA - Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry, a technique used to measure bone mineral density (BMD).
• DMARDs - Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs, a category of medications used to treat inflammatory arthritis.
• DXA - Dual X-ray Absorptiometry, another term for DEXA, used to measure bone mineral density.
• Dactylitis - Inflammation of an entire digit (finger or toe), sometimes referred to as "sausage digit."
• Dagrocorat - A synthetic steroid that may have potential use in treating inflammatory diseases.
• Danlos syndromes - A group of disorders that affect connective tissues, known as Ehlers-Danlos syndromes.
• Decision analysis - A systematic approach to making complex decisions.
• Demography - The statistical study of populations.
• Dendritic cells - Immune cells that process antigen material and present it on the cell surface to the T cells of the immune system.
• Depression - A common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think, and how you act.
• Dermatochalasia - A condition characterized by loose, sagging skin.
• Dermatolysis - The loss or degeneration of skin.
• Dermatomegaly - An abnormal enlargement of skin areas.
• Dermatomyositis - A disease marked by muscle weakness and skin rash.
• Dermatopolymyositis - An autoimmune muscle disease similar to dermatomyositis.
• Diabetes mellitus - A group of diseases that result in too much sugar in the blood.
• Dietz syndrome - A connective tissue disorder that may refer to Marfan syndrome or related conditions.
• Digital ulcers - Sores that occur on the fingertips, often associated with conditions like scleroderma.
• Discoid lupus erythematosus - A chronic skin condition of sores with inflammation and scarring favoring the face, ears, and scalp.
• Disease activity score - A measure used to assess the activity of diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.
• Disease modifying antirheumatic drugs - Another term for DMARDs.
• Disease - A disorder of structure or function in a human, animal, or plant, especially one that produces specific symptoms.
• Drug induced lupus erythematosus - A lupus-like syndrome that is caused by certain prescription drugs.
• Dual energy x ray absorptiometry - A form of X-ray technology that measures bone density.
• Dual x ray absorptiometry - Another term for DEXA.

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E

• ESR - Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate, a blood test that can reveal inflammatory activity in your body.
• Ehlers Danlos Society - A global community of patients, caregivers, health care professionals, and supporters, dedicated to saving and improving the lives of those affected by the Ehlers-Danlos syndromes.
• Ehlers Danlos syndrome - A group of disorders that affect connective tissues supporting the skin, bones, blood vessels, and many other organs and tissues.
• Ehlers - A reference to Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
• Elastic skin - A characteristic of conditions such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome where the skin can stretch more than usual.
• Elastosis perforans serpiginosa - A rare connective tissue disorder involving the dermal elastic fibers.
• Elastotic striae - Stretch marks that occur when the skin is stretched rapidly as in during growth spurts or pregnancy.
• Electromyography - A diagnostic procedure to assess the health of muscles and the nerve cells that control them.
• En coup de sabre - A linear scleroderma that can affect the skin and sometimes the underlying bone and muscle.
• Enbrel - A brand name for etanercept, a medication used to treat autoimmune diseases.
• Encephalitis - Inflammation of the brain, often caused by an infection.
• End stage renal disease - The last stage of chronic kidney disease where the kidneys no longer function properly without dialysis or a kidney transplant.
• Enthesitis - Inflammation of the entheses, the sites where tendons or ligaments insert into the bone.
• Eosinophilia - A higher than normal level of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell.
• Eosinophilic fasciitis - A rare inflammatory disease that leads to thickening of the skin and fascia underneath.
• Epidemiology - The study and analysis of the distribution, patterns, and determinants of health and disease conditions in defined populations.
• Erosions - An area where the surface layer of the skin or mucous membrane has been worn away.
• Erythrocyte sedimentation rate - Another term for ESR.
• Esophageal dysmotility - Abnormal movement of the esophagus that can lead to difficulty in swallowing.
• Etanercept - A biopharmaceutical that treats autoimmune diseases by interfering with tumor necrosis factor (TNF; a soluble inflammatory cytokine).
• Ethics - Moral principles that govern a person's behavior or the conducting of an activity.
• European League Against Rheumatism - An organization representing physicians, health professionals, and scientists involved in rheumatology.
• Exercise - Any bodily activity that enhances or maintains physical fitness and overall health and wellness.
• Extractable nuclear antigen - Antigens that can be extracted from cell nuclei and are typically found in people with autoimmune diseases.

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F

• FRAX - Fracture Risk Assessment Tool, a computer-based algorithm which estimates the 10-year probability of a bone fracture.
• Familial Mediterranean fever - An inherited inflammatory disorder that causes recurrent fevers and painful inflammation of your abdomen, lungs, and joints.
• Fatigue - Extreme tiredness resulting from mental or physical exertion or illness.
• Fc receptor - A protein found on the surface of certain cells that contributes to the protective functions of the immune system.
• Femoroacetabular impingement - A condition where the bones of the hip are abnormally shaped and the hip joint does not function smoothly.
• Fibroblast like synoviocyte - Cells that line the joint synovium and can develop into fibroblasts when there is inflammation.
• Fibromyalgia - A disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory, and mood issues.
• Fibrosis - The thickening and scarring of connective tissue, usually as a result of injury.
• Fibrous ankylosis - A condition where joint movement is restricted by fibrous tissue.
• Fosdagrocorat - A novel selective glucocorticoid receptor modulator, which may be used in the treatment of rheumatic diseases.
• Fracture Risk Assessment Tool - Another term for FRAX.
• Fractures - The breaking of a bone, cartilage, or the like.
• Functional somatic syndrome - A term used to describe several related syndromes characterized more by symptoms, suffering, and disability than by consistently demonstrable tissue abnormality.

G

• GALS screen - Gait, Arms, Legs, and Spine screen, a rapid screening examination for musculoskeletal abnormalities.
• Gait - The pattern of movement of the limbs of animals, including humans, during locomotion.
• Gene expression - The process by which information from a gene is used in the synthesis of a functional gene product.
• Gene therapy - A technique that uses genes to treat or prevent disease.
• Generalized elastolysis - A condition also known as cutis laxa, where the skin becomes inelastic and hangs loosely in folds.
• Generalized elastorrhexis - Another term for generalized elastolysis or cutis laxa.
• Genetics - The study of genes, genetic variation, and heredity in living organisms.
• Gengraf - A brand name for cyclosporine, an immunosuppressant drug commonly used in post-allogeneic organ transplant to reduce the activity of the patient's immune system.
• Genomics - The branch of molecular biology concerned with the structure, function, evolution, and mapping of genomes.
• Genu recurvatum - A deformity in the knee joint, so that the knee bends backwards.
• Geriatric rheumatology - A subfield of rheumatology that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatic diseases in the elderly.
• Geriatrics - A branch of medicine that focuses on health care of elderly people.
• Gerodermia osteodysplastica - A rare hereditary disorder characterized by lax, wrinkled skin, and osteoporosis.
• Giant cell arteritis - An inflammation of the lining of your arteries, most often the arteries in your temples.
• Glomerular filtration rate - A test to check how well the kidneys are working.
• Glomerulonephritis - A range of kidney diseases that involve inflammation of the glomeruli.
• Glucocorticoid induced osteoporosis - Osteoporosis resulting from the use of glucocorticoids.
• Glucocorticoid - A class of corticosteroids, which are a class of steroid hormones.
• Glucosamine - A natural compound found in cartilage.
• Gold salts - Compounds used historically to treat rheumatoid arthritis.
• Golfer's vasculitis - A type of vasculitis that occurs on the lower legs and is often seen in people who have been standing for long periods.
• Golimumab - A human monoclonal antibody which is used as an immunomodulator.
• Goodpasture syndrome - A rare autoimmune disease in which antibodies attack the kidneys and lungs.
• Gout - A form of inflammatory arthritis characterized by recurrent attacks of a red, tender, hot, and swollen joint.
• Granulation tissue - New connective tissue and microscopic blood vessels that form on the surfaces of a wound during the healing process.
• Granulomatosis with polyangiitis - A disorder that causes inflammation of the blood vessels in your nose, sinuses, throat, lungs, and kidneys.
• Gren's syndrome - Possibly an incorrect term, may refer to Sjögren's syndrome, an autoimmune disease that affects the glands that produce moisture in the body.
• Growth factor - A naturally occurring substance capable of stimulating cellular growth, proliferation, healing, and cellular differentiation.
• Growth plate - An area of growing tissues near the ends of the long bones in children and adolescents.

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H

• HLA - Human Leukocyte Antigen, a group of proteins located on the surface of white blood cells which are important in the immune system.
• Hallux valgus - A condition in which the big toe bends towards the other toes and a bony lump appears on the inside of the foot.
• Handigodu syndrome - A familial skeletal disorder found in the Handigodu region of India, characterized by severe joint pain and deformities.
• Harold Ramis - An American actor, director, writer, and comedian known for his work in the comedy genre.
• Health Assessment Questionnaire - A self-reported instrument used to evaluate the health status of patients with rheumatic diseases.
• Health related quality of life - An assessment of how the individual's well-being may be affected over time by a disease, disability, or disorder.
• Health risk assessment - The process of identifying and analyzing hazards to determine their potential impacts on public health.
• Hematoxylin body - A diagnostic feature in systemic lupus erythematosus, consisting of a spherical collection of nuclear material within cells.
• Hepatotoxicity - Chemical-driven liver damage.
• Heritability - A measure of how much of the variation in a trait can be attributed to genetic differences among individuals in a population.
• Herxheimer disease - A reaction to endotoxins released by the death of harmful organisms within the body during antibiotic treatment.
• Hip arthroplasty - Also known as hip replacement surgery, where a damaged hip joint is replaced with an artificial one.
• Homocystinuria - An inherited disorder that affects the metabolism of the amino acid methionine.
• Hormone replacement therapy - The use of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone to replace those the body no longer makes after menopause.
• Human leukocyte antigen - Another term for HLA.
• Humira - A brand name for adalimumab, a medication used to treat various autoimmune diseases.
• Hyaluronic acid - A substance that is naturally present in the human body and is used in various medical and cosmetic procedures.
• Hydroxychloroquine - A medication used to prevent and treat malaria and to treat autoimmune diseases.
• Hyper IgD syndrome - A hereditary inflammatory disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of fever and other symptoms.
• Hypermobility - An unusually large range of motion in the joints, often referred to as being double-jointed.
• Hypertension - A condition in which the blood pressure in the arteries is persistently elevated.
• Hypertrophic lupus erythematosus - A rare form of cutaneous lupus erythematosus that presents with hypertrophic (thickened) lesions, typically on the face.
• Hyperuricemia - An abnormally high level of uric acid in the blood, often associated with gout.
• Hypocalcemia - Low calcium levels in the blood.

I

• Ibandronate - A bisphosphonate medication used to prevent and treat osteoporosis in women after menopause.
• Ilaris - A brand name for canakinumab, a medication used to treat various auto-inflammatory syndromes.
• Imaging - Techniques and processes used to create images of the human body for clinical purposes or medical science.
• Immunogenicity - The ability of a particular substance, such as an antigen or epitope, to provoke an immune response in the body of a human or animal.
• Immunology - The branch of medicine and biology concerned with immunity.
• Imuran - A brand name for azathioprine, a medication used to prevent organ rejection in transplant patients and to treat autoimmune diseases.
• Inclusion body myositis - A progressive muscle disorder characterized by muscle inflammation, weakness, and atrophy.
• Inflamed blood vessels - Also known as vasculitis, which involves inflammation of the blood vessels.
• Inflammation - A localized physical condition in which part of the body becomes reddened, swollen, hot, and often painful, especially as a reaction to injury or infection.
• Inflammatory myopathies - A group of diseases that involve chronic muscle inflammation and muscle weakness.
• Inflammatory myopathy - Another term for inflammatory myopathies.
• Infliximab - A chimeric monoclonal antibody biologic drug that works against tumor necrosis factor alpha and is used to treat autoimmune diseases.
• Insulin growth factor - A hormone similar in molecular structure to insulin which plays an important role in childhood growth and continues to have anabolic effects in adults.
• Interferon - A group of signaling proteins made and released by host cells in response to the presence of several viruses.
• Interleukin - A group of cytokines that were first seen to be expressed by white blood cells (leukocytes).
• Interstitial lung disease - A group of lung disorders that cause progressive scarring of lung tissue, affecting the ability to breathe and get oxygen to the bloodstream.

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J

• Jaccoud arthropathy - A deformity of the hands and feet, can be associated with rheumatic fever or systemic lupus erythematosus.
• Janet Leigh - An American actress, remembered for her role in "Psycho" and for her battle with vasculitis.
• Japan College of Rheumatology - A professional organization that promotes research, education, and advocacy in rheumatology in Japan.
• Joelmir Beting - A Brazilian journalist who also suffered from a rare autoimmune disease.
• Joint arthroplasty - Surgical reconstruction or replacement of a joint, such as hip or knee replacement.
• Joint hypermobility - A condition in which joints easily move beyond the normal range expected for a particular joint.
• Joint injection - A procedure used in the treatment of inflammatory joint conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, gout, tendinitis, bursitis, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, and occasionally osteoarthritis.
• Joints - The physical locations at which two or more bones make contact and which are made up of a complex of structures allowing for varying degrees of movement.
• Journal of Clinical Rheumatology - A peer-reviewed medical journal covering all aspects of rheumatology.
• Juvenile dermatomyositis - An inflammatory disease of the muscle (myositis), skin, and blood vessels that typically affects children.
• Juvenile idiopathic arthritis - The most common form of arthritis in children, causing inflammation and joint stiffness.
• Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis - An outdated term that was formerly used to refer to a type of juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

K

• Kawasaki disease - An acute febrile illness of young children that causes inflammation of blood vessels throughout the body.
• Keloid morphea - A type of scleroderma that involves hard, tight skin that may form keloid-like lesions.
• Kineret - A brand name for anakinra, a medication used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.
• Knee arthritis - Inflammation and swelling of one or more of the knee joints, associated with pain and stiffness.
• Knee pain - Discomfort or pain that arises from any structure in the knee joint, possibly indicative of a condition or injury.

L

• Larrey's sign - A clinical sign associated with acute pericarditis, where the patient experiences relief of pain when leaning forward.
• Leflunomide - A disease-modifying antirheumatic drug used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases.
• Leri pleonosteosis - A rare genetic disorder characterized by bone deformities and limited joint movement.
• Lichen planus - An inflammatory condition that can affect the skin and mucous membranes.
• Limb girdle syndrome - A term that may refer to limb-girdle muscular dystrophy, a genetic disorder that affects the muscles around the hips and shoulders.
• Linear atrophoderma of Moulin - A rare dermatological condition characterized by hyperpigmented bands on the skin.
• Linear focal elastosis - A skin condition characterized by thick yellow bands beneath the surface of the skin.
• Livedo reticularis - A vascular condition characterized by a mottled purplish discoloration of the skin, often associated with vascular diseases or systemic conditions.
• Livedoid vasculitis - A condition involving painful ulcers and chronic, recurrent, ulcerated lesions.
• Lobstein syndrome - Also known as Osteogenesis imperfecta, a genetic disorder causing extremely fragile bones.
• Low back pain - A common musculoskeletal symptom that may be either acute or chronic.
• Lupus erythematosus overlap syndrome - An autoimmune disease where lupus overlaps with other connective tissue diseases.
• Lupus erythematosus panniculitis - A form of lupus erythematosus that affects the fat layer beneath the skin.
• Lupus erythematosus profundus - A severe form of lupus erythematosus panniculitis.
• Lupus erythematosus tumidus - A subtype of cutaneous lupus erythematosus that presents with tumid, erythematous, non-scarring plaques without surface changes.
• Lupus erythematosus - An autoimmune disease that may affect the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, and other organs.
• Lupus headache - A neurological symptom of systemic lupus erythematosus, characterized by severe headache or migraine.
• Lupus nephritis - An inflammation of the kidneys caused by systemic lupus erythematosus.
• Lupus panniculitis - A form of chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus that involves the deep dermis and subcutaneous tissue.
• Lupus profundus - Another term for lupus erythematosus panniculitis.
• Lupus - Short for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a chronic autoimmune disease with a wide range of clinical manifestations.

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M

• Lyme disease - An infectious disease caused by Borrelia bacteria, typically transmitted by ticks, which can result in various symptoms, some of which may mimic rheumatologic diseases.
• MAGIC syndrome - A condition characterized by features of both Behçet's disease and relapsing polychondritis.
• MabThera - A brand name for rituximab, a medication used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases.
• Macrophage activation syndrome - A severe, potentially life-threatening complication of rheumatic disease, particularly juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
• Marfan syndrome - A genetic disorder affecting the connective tissue, with features that may include long limbs and a high risk of aortic dissection.
• Marshall syndrome - A rare genetic disorder that can affect many areas of the body, including the skeletal and immune systems.
• Mesenchymal cells - Cells that develop into the tissues of the lymphatic and circulatory systems, as well as connective tissues throughout the body.
• Meta analysis - A statistical technique for combining the findings from independent studies to identify patterns among study results.
• Metabolic syndrome - A cluster of conditions that occur together, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.
• Metalloproteinase - Enzymes that participate in the breakdown of extracellular matrix components, playing a role in tissue remodeling and repair.
• Metaphyseal chondrodysplasia Schmid type - A genetic disorder characterized by short stature with abnormally short and wide long bones.
• Methotrexate induced papular eruption - A skin reaction that can occur as a side effect of the medication methotrexate.
• Methotrexate - A disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune conditions.
• Microscopic polyangiitis - A systemic vasculitis affecting small blood vessels, often associated with rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis.
• Mikulicz disease - A chronic swelling of the salivary and lacrimal glands.
• Milwaukee shoulder syndrome - A destructive joint disorder involving the shoulder, associated with calcium crystal deposition.
• Mixed connective tissue disease - A systemic autoimmune disease with overlapping features of lupus, scleroderma, and polymyositis.
• Modern Rheumatology - A peer-reviewed medical journal that covers all aspects of rheumatic diseases and related topics.
• Mofetil - Refers to mycophenolate mofetil, an immunosuppressive drug often used to prevent transplant rejection or treat autoimmune diseases.
• Monoarthritis - Arthritis that affects only one joint.
• Morning stiffness - A common symptom of inflammatory arthritis, where joint stiffness is most pronounced in the morning.
• Morphea en coup de sabre - A linear form of morphea, presenting as band-like sclerotic skin lesions on the face.
• Morphea plana atrophica - A type of localized scleroderma characterized by flat, atrophic, and pigmented skin lesions.
• Morphea - A skin condition that causes patches of hardened, discolored skin.
• Moulin atrophoderma linearis - A rare dermatological condition with linear depressions on the skin.
• Myalgia syndrome - A condition characterized by chronic muscle pain.
• Mycophenolate - An immunosuppressive medication used to treat autoimmune diseases and prevent organ transplant rejection.
• Myofascial pain syndrome - A chronic pain disorder characterized by pressure on sensitive points in the muscles, called trigger points.
• Myopathy - A disease of the muscle in which the muscle fibers do not function properly, resulting in muscular weakness.
• Myositis - Inflammation of the muscles, which can cause weakness and swelling.

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N

• NSAIDs - Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, a class of medications that reduce pain, decrease fever, prevent blood clots, and in higher doses, decrease inflammation.
• Nature Reviews Rheumatology - A peer-reviewed medical journal covering all aspects of rheumatology.
• Neonatal lupus erythematosus - A rare acquired autoimmune disorder that is present at birth, associated with autoantibodies from the mother that affect the skin and heart of the fetus.
• Neuropathic arthropathy - A degenerative joint condition resulting from the loss of sensation in the joint.
• Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs - Another term for NSAIDs, detailing their properties and uses in rheumatology.

O

• OMERACT - An international initiative that seeks to improve outcome measurement in rheumatology.
• Obesity - A medical condition in which excess body fat has accumulated to the extent that it may have a negative effect on health, potentially impacting rheumatological conditions.
• Occipital horn syndrome - A rare connective tissue disorder characterized by calcium deposits at the base of the skull, among other symptoms.
• Occupational therapy - A form of therapy for those recuperating from physical or mental illness that encourages rehabilitation through the performance of activities required in daily life.
• Orencia - A brand name for abatacept, a medication used in the treatment of various forms of arthritis.
• Orthopedics - The branch of medicine dealing with the correction of deformities of bones or muscles.
• Orthosis - An externally applied device used to modify the structural and functional characteristics of the neuromuscular and skeletal system.
• Orthotics - Specialty within the medical field concerned with the design, manufacture, and application of orthoses.
• Osteoarthritis and Cartilage - A journal that publishes research related to the clinical and basic science aspects of musculoskeletal diseases, particularly osteoarthritis.
• Osteoarthritis - A type of joint disease that results from breakdown of joint cartilage and underlying bone.
• Osteoblast - A cell that secretes the matrix for bone formation.
• Osteoclast - A type of bone cell that breaks down bone tissue.
• Osteoclastogenesis - The process of osteoclast formation, which is central to the understanding of bone diseases.
• Osteogenesis imperfecta - A group of genetic disorders that mainly affect the bones, causing them to break easily.
• Osteolysis syndrome - Disorders characterized by an active resorption of bone matrix by osteoclasts and can result in weakened and fragile bones.
• Osteonecrosis of the jaw - A severe bone disease that affects the jaw and is often linked to the use of bisphosphonate medications.
• Osteonecrosis - The death of bone tissue due to a lack of blood supply.
• Osteoporosis - A condition in which bones become weak and brittle.
• Otrexup - A brand name for methotrexate, which is used in a self-injectable form for rheumatic diseases and psoriasis.
• Outcome Measures in Rheumatology - An organization that develops and validates outcome measures for rheumatologic conditions.
• Overlap syndrome - A medical condition which features characteristics of two or more autoimmune diseases.
• Oxycinchophen - A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug that was used for pain.

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P

• PMR - Polymyalgia rheumatica, a syndrome with pain or stiffness, usually in the neck, shoulders, and hips.
• Pachydermatocele - A benign overgrowth of fibrous tissue in the skin.
• Paget's disease of bone - A condition that involves abnormal destruction and regrowth of bone, which leads to deformity.
• Pain management - The branch of medicine employing an interdisciplinary approach for easing the suffering and improving the quality of life of those living with chronic pain.
• Palindromic rheumatism - A rare type of inflammatory arthritis characterized by recurrent episodes of painful swelling of one or more joints.
• Parathyroid hormone - A hormone secreted by the parathyroid glands that is important in bone remodeling.
• Patient Activity Scale II - A tool used to measure the physical function and activity levels of patients with rheumatic diseases.
• Patient Activity Scale - Another tool for assessing the activity level of patients with rheumatic conditions.
• Patient reported outcomes - Reports coming directly from patients about how they function or feel in relation to a health condition and its therapy.
• Penicillamine - A medication used to treat Wilson's disease, certain conditions of arthritis, and poisoning by heavy metals.
• Perforating calcific elastosis - A rare dermatological condition involving calcification of the elastic fibers with transepidermal elimination.
• Periosteal reaction - A response of the periosteum to injury, which can involve the formation of new bone.
• Physical activity - Any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that requires energy expenditure.
• Physical examination - The process by which a medical professional investigates the body of a patient for signs of disease.
• Physical therapy - A branch of rehabilitative health that uses specially designed exercises and equipment to help patients regain or improve their physical abilities.
• Plaquenil - A brand name for hydroxychloroquine, commonly used in the treatment of rheumatological conditions, especially lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
• Plica syndrome - An inflammation of the synovial joint folds in the knee.
• Polyarteritis nodosa - A serious blood vessel disease where small and medium-sized arteries become swollen and damaged.
• Polymyalgia rheumatica - An inflammatory disorder causing muscle pain and stiffness around the shoulders and hips.
• Polymyositis - A disease causing inflammation and weakness in the muscles.
• Poor man's gout - A colloquial term for pseudogout, which is caused by calcium pyrophosphate deposition.
• Positron emission tomography - An imaging test that helps reveal how your tissues and organs are functioning.
• Primary care - The day-to-day healthcare given by a healthcare provider.
• Primrose syndrome - A very rare multi-systemic disorder characterized by distinctive facial features, large ears, macrocephaly, and intellectual disability.
• Prognostic factors - Elements that can be used to predict the likely course of a disease.
• Progressive hemifacial atrophy - Also known as Parry-Romberg syndrome, it is a rare condition characterized by the slow progressive atrophy of the skin and soft tissues of half of the face.
• Proprioception - The sense of the relative position of one's own parts of the body and strength of effort being employed in movement.
• Proteoglycans - Large molecules that are a major component of the body's connective tissues, including cartilage.
• Proteomics - The study of proteomes and their functions, particularly in terms of protein structure and function.
• Pseudoxanthoma elasticum - A genetic disease that causes changes in the elastic fibers of the skin, eyes, and blood vessels.
• Psoriasis - A long-lasting autoimmune disease which is characterized by patches of abnormal skin.
• Psoriatic Arthritis Quality of Life - A scale used to measure the quality of life of patients with psoriatic arthritis.
• Psoriatic arthritis - A form of arthritis that affects some people who have psoriasis, a condition that features red patches of skin topped with silvery scales.

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R

• Randomized controlled trial - A study design that randomly assigns participants into an experimental group or a control group to ensure that each participant has the same chance of being in either group.
• Range of motion - The full movement potential of a joint, usually its range of flexion and extension.
• Raynaud phenomenon - A condition where blood vessels in the fingers and toes spasm, leading to color changes, numbness, tingling, and pain upon exposure to cold or stress.
• Raynaud syndrome - Another term for Raynaud phenomenon, especially when it is a secondary condition linked to another disease.
• Raynaud's phenomenon - The episodic reduction in blood flow to the extremities, leading to discoloration of the fingers and toes.
• Reactive arthritis - A condition that develops in response to an infection in another part of the body (cross-reactivity).
• Reactive perforating collagenosis - A rare skin disorder characterized by transepidermal elimination of collagen fibers.
• Rehabilitation - The process of helping a person achieve the highest level of function, independence, and quality of life possible.
• Relapsing polychondritis - An episodic and progressive inflammatory disorder of cartilage and other tissues throughout the body.
• Remicade - A brand name for infliximab, a monoclonal antibody used to treat autoimmune diseases.
• Reynolds syndrome - A rare autoimmune disorder, characterized by a combination of primary biliary cholangitis and systemic sclerosis.
• Rheumatic fever - An inflammatory disease that can develop as a complication of poorly treated strep throat or scarlet fever.
• Rheumatism - An outdated term that was previously used to describe a number of rheumatic conditions.
• Rheumatoid arthritis - A chronic inflammatory disorder affecting many joints, including those in the hands and feet.
• Rheumatoid disease of the spine - Manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis within the spinal column.
• Rheumatoid factor - An antibody that can be present in various rheumatic diseases, most notably rheumatoid arthritis.
• Rheumatoid nodulosis - A condition characterized by the presence of rheumatoid nodules, typically associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
• Rheumatoid pleuritis - Inflammation of the pleura, the lining around the lungs, which can occur in rheumatoid arthritis.
• Rheumatology Research Foundation - An organization dedicated to advancing research and training to improve the health of people with rheumatic diseases.
• Rheumatology - The branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatic diseases.
• Rheumatrex - A brand name for methotrexate, a medication used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases.
• Rituxan - A brand name for rituximab, a medication used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases.
• Rituximab - A chimeric monoclonal antibody against the protein CD20, which is primarily found on the surface of immune system B cells.

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S

• SAPHO syndrome - A disorder involving any combination of: Synovitis, Acne, Pustulosis, Hyperostosis, and Osteitis.
• SLE - Systemic lupus erythematosus, a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect various parts of the body, especially the skin, joints, blood, and kidneys.
• Sacks endocarditis - A non-infectious endocarditis associated with autoimmune diseases like lupus.
• Sandimmune - A brand name for cyclosporine, an immunosuppressive medication.
• Sarcoidosis - An inflammatory disease that affects multiple organs in the body, but mostly the lungs and lymph glands.
• Schober's test - A physical exam used to measure the ability of a patient to flex the lower back.
• Scleredema adultorum of Buschke - A rare, self-limiting skin condition that can occur in association with diabetes mellitus or other conditions.
• Scleredema adultorum - See Scleredema adultorum of Buschke.
• Scleredema diabeticorum - A rare dermatological manifestation of diabetes presenting with thickening of the skin.
• Scleredema of Buschke - Another name for Scleredema adultorum of Buschke.
• Scleredema - A connective tissue disease characterized by thickening of the dermis.
• Sclerodactyly - The localized thickening and tightness of the skin of the fingers or toes.
• Scleroderma Research Foundation - An organization focused on funding and facilitating research to treat and cure scleroderma.
• Scleroderma - A group of autoimmune diseases that may result in changes to the skin, blood vessels, muscles, and internal organs.
• Scleromyositis - A condition that combines the features of scleroderma and myositis, inflammatory diseases affecting the skin and muscles respectively.
• Sclerotic fibroma - A rare skin condition characterized by the presence of fibrous nodules in the dermis.
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor - A class of drugs typically used as antidepressants in the treatment of major depressive disorder and anxiety disorders.
• Sharp's syndrome - Also known as mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD), a disorder with overlapping features of various connective tissue diseases.
• Sicca syndrome - A condition involving dryness of the mouth and eyes, often related to autoimmune disorders such as Sjögren's syndrome.
• Silicosis - A lung disease caused by inhaling fine particles of silica, most commonly found in quartz.
• Simplified Disease Activity Index - A tool used to assess the disease activity of rheumatoid arthritis.
• Simponi - A brand name for golimumab, a monoclonal antibody used as an immunosuppressive drug.
• Sodium aurothiomalate - A gold compound used in intramuscular injection to treat rheumatoid arthritis.
• Sodium aurothiosulfate - A form of gold therapy used to treat rheumatoid arthritis.
• Solar elastosis - A skin condition caused by long-term exposure to sunlight.
• Spinal stenosis - A narrowing of the spaces within your spine, which can put pressure on the nerves that travel through the spine.
• Splint - A device used for support or immobilization of limbs or of the spine.
• Spondyloarthritis - A group of inflammatory rheumatic diseases that cause arthritis and primarily affect the spine and sacroiliac joint.
• Spondyloarthropathies - A family of long-term (chronic) diseases of joints, which include ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, and related conditions.
• Statin associated autoimmune myopathy - A rare condition characterized by muscle inflammation and weakness associated with statin use.
• Stickler syndrome - A genetic disorder affecting the connective tissue, leading to distinctive facial characteristics, eye problems, hearing loss, and joint issues.
• Still's disease - A rare inflammatory arthritis that features fevers, rash and joint pain; known as Adult-Onset Still's Disease when it affects adults.
• Strandberg syndrome - A rare syndrome involving premature aging of the skin.
• Stretch marks - Striae or skin bands that appear when the skin has been stretched rapidly such as during pregnancy or rapid weight gain.
• Striae atrophicans - A type of stretch mark characterized by atrophy.
• Striae distensae - Another term for stretch marks.
• Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus - A subtype of lupus that primarily affects the skin, characterized by sores after sun exposure.
• Subcutaneous lupus erythematosus - A form of lupus that affects the skin, causing red, scaly patches with potential scarring.
• Sulfasalazine - A disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.
• Swan neck deformity - A deformity of the finger in which the joint closest to the fingertip is permanently bent toward the palm while the nearest joint to the palm is bent away from it.
• Synovitis - The inflammation of the synovial membrane, which lines joints and tendon sheaths.
• Systemic chondromalacia - A term not commonly used, but it refers to a generalized softening of cartilage.
• Systemic lupus erythematosus - A chronic autoimmune disease that can affect almost any system in the body, characterized by its hallmark facial rash.
• Systemic scleroderma - A type of scleroderma that affects the skin as well as internal organs.
• Systemic sclerosis - Another term for systemic scleroderma.
• Systemic vasculitides - A group of disorders characterized by inflammation of blood vessels.
• Systemic vasculitis - Inflammation of the blood vessels that can lead to significant organ dysfunction.

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T

• TGFs - Transforming Growth Factors, a group of proteins that play critical roles in tissue repair, cell differentiation, and immune system regulation.
• TNF - Tumor Necrosis Factor, a cell signaling protein (cytokine) involved in systemic inflammation, targeted by certain anti-rheumatic medications.
• TRAPS - Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Associated Periodic Syndrome, a rare inherited condition characterized by recurrent episodes of fever and inflammation.
• Takayasu's arteritis - A rare type of vasculitis that affects large blood vessels, especially the aorta and its main branches.
• Telangiectasia syndrome - May refer to any syndrome in which telangiectasia (spider veins) is a prominent feature.
• Temporal arteritis - Also known as giant cell arteritis, an inflammatory condition affecting the arteries of the head and neck.
• Temporomandibular joint - The joint connecting the lower jaw (mandible) to the skull, in front of the ear.
• Tendinitis - Inflammation or irritation of a tendon.
• The Journal of Rheumatology - A peer-reviewed medical journal covering research in rheumatology.
• Thrombotic microangiopathy - A pathology that results in thrombosis in capillaries and arterioles, due to an endothelial injury.
• Tocilizumab - An immunosuppressive drug, mainly for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
• Tofacitinib citrate - A medication used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ulcerative colitis.
• Tophus - A deposit of uric acid crystals, in the form of a white mass, commonly found in patients with chronic gout.
• Total joint replacement - A surgical procedure in which parts of an arthritic or damaged joint are removed and replaced with a metal, plastic, or ceramic device called a prosthesis.
• Toxic oil syndrome - A disease caused by contaminated cooking oil that resulted in widespread disease in Spain in 1981.
• Transcription factors - Proteins involved in the process of converting, or transcribing, DNA into RNA.
• Transforming growth factors - A term synonymous with TGFs, which are involved in cell growth, proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis.
• Treacher Collins syndrome - A genetic disorder characterized by deformities of the ears, eyes, cheekbones, and chin.
• Tumid lupus erythematosus - A variant of lupus that affects the skin, characterized by smooth, pink to purple, non-scarring plaques.
• Tumor necrosis factor - A pro-inflammatory cytokine involved in systemic inflammation, targeted by some anti-inflammatory drugs.

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U - V

• Ullrich disease - A rare genetic disorder that affects the connective tissue, characterized by muscle weakness and joint problems.
• Ultrasonography - An imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of structures within the body.
• Uveitis - Inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye.
• Vasculitis - Inflammation of the blood vessels that can cause changes in the wall of blood vessels including thickening, weakening, narrowing, and scarring.
• Vasculopathy - A broad term for a disease affecting blood vessels.
• Verrucous lupus erythematosus - A rare and chronic form of cutaneous lupus erythematosus presenting with wart-like lesions.
• Verrucous perforating collagenoma - A rare skin disorder characterized by the appearance of verrucous skin nodules.
• Visual analog scale - A psychometric response scale often used in surveys to measure subjective characteristics or attitudes that cannot be directly measured.
• Vocational rehabilitation - A process that enables individuals with functional, psychological, developmental, cognitive, and emotional impairments or disabilities to overcome barriers to accessing, maintaining, or returning to employment or other useful occupation.

W - X

• WOMAC - Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, a widely used set of standardized questionnaires used for evaluating the condition of patients with osteoarthritis of the knee and hip.
• Wells syndrome - Also known as eosinophilic cellulitis, a rare skin condition of unknown cause.
• Winchester syndrome - A rare genetic disorder characterized by the severe degradation of bone tissue and other connective tissue disorders.
• Wissler's syndrome - A disease similar to Still's disease, but with a more benign course.
• Wrinkly skin syndrome - A rare genetic condition characterized by wrinkled skin, growth delay, and intellectual disability.
• Xeljanz - The brand name for tofacitinib, an oral medication used to treat certain types of arthritis.

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Rheumatologic diseases

Arthritis is often used to refer to any disorder that affects the joints. Rheumatic diseases usually affect joints, tendons, ligaments, bones, and muscles. Rheumatologic diseases usually affect joints, tendons, ligaments, bones, and muscles.

Connective Tissue Diseases

Rheumatology and	Connective Tissue Diseases
Ankylosing spondylitis	Arthritis
Arthritis and Rheumatic diseases	Autoimmune diseases
Autoinflammatory diseases	Behçet’s disease
Bursitis	Giant cell arteritis
Gout	Juvenile arthritis
Knee problems	Lupus
Osteoarthritis	Polymyalgia rheumatica
Psoriatic arthritis	Reactive arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis	Scleroderma
Sjögren’s syndrome	Systemic lupus erythematosus (Lupus)
Tendinitis	Rheumatologic diseases

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