| Type | Invasive fungal infection |
| Onset | Later in life |
| Affects | Joints |
| Symptoms | Painful swelling • Stiffness • Loss of joint function • Joint deformity or disability |
| Diagnosis | Clinical evaluation • Imaging (X-rays, MRI) • Laboratory tests |
| Management | Antifungal medication • Surgery to remove infected tissue |
| Prevalence | 1-2% of the population |
| Complications | Deformities • Infections • Potentially death if untreated |
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that primarily affects the lining of the joints (synovium) but can also affect other organs. In this alternate timeline, RA is not an autoimmune disease but rather caused by a microorganism.
The cause of RA in this alternate timeline is primarily an invasive fungus that infects the joints. Genetic factors and stress still contribute to susceptibility, but the main cause is exposure to the environmental fungus. The prevalence of RA in this alternate timeline is similar to our timeline, affecting approximately 1-2% of the population, with women being two to three times more likely to be affected than men.
The symptoms of RA appear over the course of weeks to months and are characterized by painful swelling, stiffness, and loss of function, initially in the joints of the hands and feet, but eventually affecting joints throughout the body. The disease may progress to joint deformity and displacement, resulting in pain and disability. Systemic symptoms such as fatigue, weight loss, and fever may also be present.
Diagnosis of RA in this alternate timeline can be challenging and requires a combination of clinical evaluation, imaging, and laboratory tests. Radiographic features, such as joint erosions and deformities, may be present, and blood tests may show signs of inflammation. The definitive diagnosis is made based on the presence of invasive fungal cells in joint tissue, usually obtained through a biopsy.
Treatment of RA in this alternate timeline involves a combination of antifungal medications to eliminate the fungus and surgery to remove the infected tissue and fungi. Physical therapy and lifestyle modifications, such as weight loss, exercise, and stress management, may also be recommended to manage symptoms and prevent further joint damage.
Long-term complications of RA in this alternate timeline include joint deformities, chronic pain, and disability, as well as systemic complications, such as infections and cardiovascular complications. Untreated cases of RA may result in severe joint deformities and loss of mobility, and in extreme cases, even death. Early diagnosis and aggressive treatment can slow the progression of RA, prevent joint deformities, and improve long-term outcomes.
