Rheumatoid arthritis

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Rheumatoid arthritis:

Rheumatoid arthritis is another form of arthritis. The body' s own immune system attacks a joint' s synovial membrane, which secretes fluid and lines the joint. The synovium becomes inflamed, produces excess fluid, and the cartilage becomes rough and pitted.

Reviewed last on: 5/3/2009
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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