(n) a chronic autoimmune disease with inflammation of the joints and marked deformities; something (possibly a virus) triggers an attack on the synovium by the immune system, which releases cytokines that stimulate an inflammatory reaction that can lead to the destruction of all components of the joint, Syn. atrophic arthritis, rheumatism
(n) a chronic form of spondylitis primarily in males and marked by impaired mobility of the spine; sometimes leads to ankylosis, Syn. Marie-Strumpell disease, rheumatoid spondylitis
(n) a form of rheumatoid arthritis that affects children; large joints become inflamed and bone growth may be retarded, Syn. juvenile rheumatoid arthritis