Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis. In an
infectious etiology of rheumatoid arthritis, it is pertinent to consider the manner in which a
pathogen might gain access to the synovial membrane. The joint seems to be uniquely
predisposed to infection with some bacteria. Rheumatoid synovitis is characterized by a
constellation of histological changes, which are characteristic but not pathognomonic of this
disease. In hypertrophy of the synovial lining surface, the synovium appears edematous and …