eMedicine Specialties > Dermatology > Papulosquamous Diseases
Psoriatic Arthritis: Differential Diagnoses & Workup
Updated: Oct 30, 2009
- Overview
- Differential Diagnoses & Workup
- Treatment & Medication
- Follow-up
- Multimedia
Differential Diagnoses
Psoriasis, Nails
Psoriasis, Plaque
Psoriasis, Pustular
Other Problems to Be Considered
Gout
Osteoarthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis
Septic arthritis
Workup
Laboratory Studies
Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic inflammatory condition for which no specific laboratory tests are available. The diagnosis is based primarily on clinical and radiographic findings. The main differential diagnosis is rheumatoid arthritis.
Comparison of Expected Laboratory Values in Psoriatic Arthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis
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Table
| Laboratory Studies | Psoriatic Arthritis | Rheumatoid Arthritis |
|---|---|---|
| Erythrocyte sedimentation rate | Elevated (<100) | Elevated (<100) |
| Rheumatoid factor | Negative | Positive (85% of patients) |
| Antinuclear antibody | Negative | Positive (30% of patients) |
| C-reactive protein | Elevated | Elevated |
| Synovium | WBC count 5-15,000/µL, 50% polymorphonuclear leukocytes | WBC count 2,000/µL |
| Laboratory Studies | Psoriatic Arthritis | Rheumatoid Arthritis |
|---|---|---|
| Erythrocyte sedimentation rate | Elevated (<100) | Elevated (<100) |
| Rheumatoid factor | Negative | Positive (85% of patients) |
| Antinuclear antibody | Negative | Positive (30% of patients) |
| C-reactive protein | Elevated | Elevated |
| Synovium | WBC count 5-15,000/µL, 50% polymorphonuclear leukocytes | WBC count 2,000/µL |
Imaging Studies
The following radiographic abnormalities are suggestive of psoriatic arthritis:
- Paramarginal erosions without osteopenia
- Fluffy periosteal bone formation
- Bony ankylosis
- Pencil-in-cup deformity
- Acro-osteolysis
- Asymmetric sacroiliitis
- Large, nonmarginal, nonconsecutive syndesmophytes
More on Psoriatic Arthritis |
| Overview: Psoriatic Arthritis |
Differential Diagnoses & Workup: Psoriatic Arthritis |
| Treatment & Medication: Psoriatic Arthritis |
| Follow-up: Psoriatic Arthritis |
| Multimedia: Psoriatic Arthritis |
| References |
| « Previous Page | Next Page » |
References
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Further Reading
Keywords
psoriatic arthritis, psoriasis, seronegative spondyloarthropathy, polyarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, oligoarthritis, chronic inflammatory arthritis, asymmetric oligoarthritis, asymmetrical oligoarthritis, symmetric oligoarthritis, symmetrical oligoarthritis, arthritis mutilans, spondylitis, DIP psoriatic arthritis, distal interphalangeal joint arthritis, juvenile psoriatic arthritis, psoriatic nail lesions
Differential Diagnoses & Workup: Psoriatic Arthritis