RHEUMATOLOGY

God bless the Rheumatologist. When nobody knows what is going on, they consult the Rheumatologist.

An important generalization to remember is that in most rheumatologic diseases, the ESR is elevated. When the clinical picture is that of a rheumatologic disease but ESR is normal, think of hypothyroidism, Depression, Osteomalacia and Fibromyalgia. Also remember that ESR does not come down for weeks inspite of the illness resolving.

With this general concept in mind, read on for specific problems.