DESCRIPTION. Rheumatoid arthritis(RA) is an inflammatory arthritis that can present in a variety of ways Classic RA presents as a symmetric, polyarticular small- joint arthritis affecting the MCP PIP and MTP joints It is characterized by fusiform swelling and by synovial thickening around these joints. Nonclassic RA may present in a single joint(monoarticular) or in several medium to large joints(pauciarticular) or as a fleeting, small joint arthritis that affects the small joints(palindromic). All are characterized by moderately intense inflammation and swelling