Host: Darryl S. Chutka. M.D.; [@chutkaMD]

Guest: Ali A. Duarte Garcia, M.D.

Rheumatologic problems are some of the most common health conditions we see as primary care professionals. In many cases, taking months and sometimes years to properly diagnose, rheumatologic conditions can become frustrating for both the provider and the patient. There are a variety of new tests available to help us establish a diagnosis, as well as multiple new and effective treatment options. This episode is part of a seven-episode mini-series on Mayo Clinic Talks dedicated to rheumatologic health problems to aid in the recognition, diagnosis, and treatment for your patients. Please find these episodes where you listen to podcasts or on ce.mayo.edu.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease with a variety of immunological and laboratory abnormalities, as well as numerous clinical manifestations. It can affect almost every organ and has the potential to cause severe organ damage. Most patients experience flares of the disease alternating with periods of remission. Lupus is much more common in women than men and there are significant geographical and ethnic differences in the incidence and eventual outcome of the disease. It’s known as the great imitator because it can mimic a variety of other diseases and it’s not uncommon for patients to have symptoms for over 5 years, before a diagnosis of lupus is established. The topic for this podcast is systemic lupus and our guest is Ali A. Duarte Garcia, M.D., a rheumatologist from the Mayo Clinic.

Connect with the Mayo Clinic’s School of Continuous Professional Development online at https://ce.mayo.edu/ or on Twitter @MayoMedEd. Learn more about our Rheumatology Edition here: https://ce.mayo.edu/content/mayo-clinic-talks-rheumatology-edition