Question

A 55-year-old man with long-standing rheumatoid arthritis on Methotrexate presents with acute severe pain, swelling and warmth in his right knee. He is febrile at 38.6°C. What is the most appropriate immediate investigation?

Accepted Answer

Joint aspiration for Gram stain, culture and microscopy

Answer

Serum rheumatoid factor

Answer

Plain radiograph of the knee

Answer

MRI of the knee

Answer

Serum uric acid level

Practice question

A 55-year-old man with long-standing rheumatoid arthritis on Methotrexate presents with acute severe pain, swelling and warmth in his right knee. He is febrile at 38.6°C. What is the most appropriate immediate investigation?