Differential Diagnosis for Rheumatologic Disease with Recurrent Falls

• Single most likely diagnosis
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): This is a common rheumatologic disease that can cause joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, leading to decreased mobility and increased risk of falls. The recurrent falls could be due to the joint symptoms or associated conditions like osteoporosis.
• Other Likely diagnoses
  • Osteoarthritis (OA): Similar to RA, OA can cause joint pain and stiffness, particularly in weight-bearing joints, increasing the risk of falls.
  • Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): This condition can cause joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, as well as skin and nail changes. The joint symptoms can contribute to an increased risk of falls.
  • Lupus: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a rheumatologic disease that can cause a wide range of symptoms, including joint pain, muscle weakness, and neurological symptoms, all of which could contribute to recurrent falls.
• Do Not Miss diagnoses
  • Osteoporosis: While not exclusively a rheumatologic disease, osteoporosis is often associated with rheumatologic conditions and can significantly increase the risk of falls and fractures.
  • Vasculitis (e.g., Giant Cell Arteritis): Certain types of vasculitis can cause neurological symptoms, such as vertigo or weakness, which could lead to recurrent falls.
  • Myositis: Inflammatory muscle diseases like polymyositis or dermatomyositis can cause muscle weakness, increasing the risk of falls.
• Rare diagnoses
  • Relapsing Polychondritis: A rare autoimmune disorder that can cause cartilage inflammation, leading to joint pain and instability, potentially increasing the risk of falls.
  • Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: A group of genetic disorders that affect connective tissue, potentially causing joint hypermobility and increased risk of falls.
  • Sjögren's Syndrome: An autoimmune disorder that can cause joint pain, muscle weakness, and neurological symptoms, all of which could contribute to recurrent falls.