DIAGNOSIS OF INTERNAL ORGAN INVOLVEMENT IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Abstract

 Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease characterized not only by progressive joint destruction but also by a wide spectrum of extraarticular manifestations involving multiple organs and systems. This review aims to analyze the patterns, classification, and diagnostic relevance of internal organ involvement in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Published data indicate that extraarticular manifestations develop in approximately half of affected patients and may occur at any stage of the disease course. The clinical presentation is highly heterogeneous, ranging from mild cutaneous involvement to severe cardiovascular, pulmonary, neurological, renal, and hematological complications associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Classification based on severity and frequency provides a practical framework for clinical assessment, although no universally accepted system currently exists. The findings highlight that extraarticular involvement is more frequent in patients with high immunological activity, seropositivity, genetic susceptibility, and a history of smoking. Despite advances in disease-modifying and biological therapies, extraarticular manifestations remain a major diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Early recognition, systematic evaluation, and multidisciplinary management are essential for improving prognosis and reducing disease-related complications in rheumatoid arthritis.