Which procedure is listed as part of the diagnostic workup for rheumatoid arthritis?

Which procedure is listed as part of the diagnostic workup for rheumatoid arthritis?

• A. Arthroscopy
• B. Mammography
• C. Colonoscopy
• D. Laparoscopy

Answer: (A)

Diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis relies on directly assessing joints when needed, along with clinical history, labs, and imaging. Arthroscopy is a procedure where a small camera is inserted into a joint, allowing direct visualization of the joint lining and cartilage and enabling biopsy of the synovium or lavage if needed. This direct look and tissue sampling can provide clear evidence of inflammatory synovitis consistent with RA, especially in cases where noninvasive tests don’t give a definitive answer. The other options focus on distant organs or systems (breast, colon, abdomen) and do not contribute to evaluating joints for RA. So arthroscopy stands out as the procedure among these choices that can be part of the diagnostic workup for rheumatoid arthritis.

Diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis relies on directly assessing joints when needed, along with clinical history, labs, and imaging. Arthroscopy is a procedure where a small camera is inserted into a joint, allowing direct visualization of the joint lining and cartilage and enabling biopsy of the synovium or lavage if needed. This direct look and tissue sampling can provide clear evidence of inflammatory synovitis consistent with RA, especially in cases where noninvasive tests don’t give a definitive answer. The other options focus on distant organs or systems (breast, colon, abdomen) and do not contribute to evaluating joints for RA. So arthroscopy stands out as the procedure among these choices that can be part of the diagnostic workup for rheumatoid arthritis.