Differential Diagnosis for Polyarthritis with Vasculitic Rash
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) with associated vasculitis: This is a common condition that can cause polyarthritis and, in some cases, vasculitic rashes. The presence of rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP antibodies can support this diagnosis.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): SLE is an autoimmune disease that can cause polyarthritis, vasculitic rashes, and other systemic symptoms. The presence of antinuclear antibodies (ANA) and specific clinical criteria can support this diagnosis.
- Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): PsA is a type of arthritis that occurs in people with psoriasis, and it can cause polyarthritis and skin lesions that may resemble a vasculitic rash.
- Reactive Arthritis: This is a type of arthritis that occurs as a reaction to an infection, and it can cause polyarthritis and skin lesions.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA): GCA is a large vessel vasculitis that can cause polyarthritis, vasculitic rashes, and other systemic symptoms. If left untreated, it can lead to blindness and other serious complications.
- Polyarteritis Nodosa (PAN): PAN is a medium vessel vasculitis that can cause polyarthritis, vasculitic rashes, and other systemic symptoms. If left untreated, it can lead to organ failure and death.
- Wegener's Granulomatosis (Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis, GPA): GPA is a small vessel vasculitis that can cause polyarthritis, vasculitic rashes, and other systemic symptoms. If left untreated, it can lead to organ failure and death.
- Rare diagnoses
- Relapsing Polychondritis: This is a rare autoimmune disease that can cause polyarthritis, vasculitic rashes, and other systemic symptoms.
- Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (Churg-Strauss Syndrome): This is a rare small vessel vasculitis that can cause polyarthritis, vasculitic rashes, and other systemic symptoms.
- Cryoglobulinemic Vasculitis: This is a rare condition that can cause polyarthritis, vasculitic rashes, and other systemic symptoms due to the presence of cryoglobulins in the blood.