Differential Diagnosis for Deforming Fingers
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): This is a common autoimmune disorder that often presents with symmetric polyarthritis, leading to deformities of the fingers, particularly in the hands. The deformities can include swan neck deformity, boutonniere deformity, and ulnar deviation.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Osteoarthritis (OA): While OA is more commonly associated with wear and tear of the joints, it can lead to deformities, especially in the distal interphalangeal joints (Heberden's nodes) and the proximal interphalangeal joints (Bouchard's nodes).
- Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): A form of arthritis that occurs in some people with psoriasis, leading to joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, and can cause finger deformities.
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): An autoimmune disease that can affect various parts of the body, including the joints, and may lead to deformities due to chronic inflammation.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Septic Arthritis: An infection within a joint, which is a medical emergency. If not promptly treated, it can lead to rapid destruction of the joint and potentially life-threatening complications.
- Gout: A form of inflammatory arthritis characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness, often occurring at the base of the big toe but can affect fingers and lead to deformity if chronic.
- Neurological Conditions (e.g., Peripheral Neuropathy, Stroke): Certain neurological conditions can lead to muscle imbalances and subsequent deformities of the fingers due to weakness or paralysis.
Rare Diagnoses
- Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: A group of disorders that affect connective tissues supporting the skin, bones, blood vessels, and many other organs and tissues, which can lead to joint hypermobility and potential deformities.
- Scleroderma: A chronic disease characterized by excessive deposits of collagen, leading to hardened, tight skin, and potential deformities due to skin and joint involvement.
- Hemochromatosis: A genetic disorder characterized by excessive iron accumulation in the body, which can lead to arthritis and potentially finger deformities among other systemic manifestations.