Differential Diagnosis for Positive Rheumatoid Factor and Anemia
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): This is the most likely diagnosis given the presence of a positive rheumatoid factor, which is a common finding in RA. Anemia is also a common feature of RA, often due to chronic inflammation.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): SLE can also present with a positive rheumatoid factor and anemia, among other symptoms. The anemia in SLE can be due to various factors, including chronic disease, hemolysis, or bone marrow suppression.
- Sjögren's Syndrome: This autoimmune disorder can cause a positive rheumatoid factor and may be associated with anemia, particularly if there is significant inflammation or lymphoproliferation.
- Do Not Miss diagnoses
- Lymphoma: Although less common, lymphoma (especially non-Hodgkin lymphoma) can present with a positive rheumatoid factor and anemia. It's crucial to consider this diagnosis to avoid missing a potentially life-threatening condition.
- Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL): CLL can cause a positive rheumatoid factor and anemia due to bone marrow infiltration or autoimmune hemolytic anemia.
- Rare diagnoses
- Mixed Connective Tissue Disease: This rare autoimmune disorder can present with features of RA, SLE, and other connective tissue diseases, including a positive rheumatoid factor and anemia.
- Felty's Syndrome: A rare complication of long-standing RA, characterized by the presence of a positive rheumatoid factor, anemia, and splenomegaly.
- Parvovirus B19 Infection: Although more commonly associated with Fifth disease, parvovirus B19 can cause anemia and a positive rheumatoid factor in some cases, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.