Seronegative Rheumatoid Arthritis in an Elderly Patient With Anemia: A Case Report

Anemia due to chronic inflammation reduces the quality of life in the elderly population. Various causes of chronic inflammation exist, and the elderly experience varying symptoms, making it challenging to investigate the cause. The risk of chronic inflammatory diseases, including autoimmune diseases, and the risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) increase with age. Here, we report a case of seronegative RA in an 88-year-old woman who was referred for a detailed examination of chronic inflammation and anemia. Although she had no chief complaint, a physical examination revealed bilateral symmetric polyarthritis. After ruling out other diseases based on blood culture findings, the patient was diagnosed with seronegative RA. She was successfully treated with prednisolone and methotrexate, and her anemia improved. She also attributed the anemia to a chronic inflammatory pattern of seronegative RA. Appropriate physical examination is important for older adults with various complaints, and anemia may precede arthritis during the clinical course of RA. Additionally, inflammation may progress rapidly in these individuals.