What condition is characterized by the chronic inflammation of synovium?

Rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by the chronic inflammation of the synovium, which is the tissue lining the joints. This condition is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks the synovial membrane, leading to inflammation, swelling, and pain in the affected joints. Over time, this chronic inflammation can cause damage to the cartilage and bone, resulting in joint deformity and loss of function. The persistent inflammation is a hallmark of rheumatoid arthritis, distinguishing it from other types of arthritis.

In contrast, osteoarthritis involves the degeneration of joint cartilage and bone, primarily due to wear and tear rather than inflammation of the synovial membrane. Psoriatic arthritis may involve inflammation, but it is also associated with skin lesions typical of psoriasis and does not exclusively feature synovial inflammation. Gout is characterized by acute episodes of joint inflammation due to the deposition of urate crystals but does not involve continuous synovial inflammation like rheumatoid arthritis does. Understanding these distinctions is essential for diagnosing and treating these conditions effectively.