What is the term for symmetric inflammatory peripheral polyarthritis characterized by lymphocytic infiltration of the synovial joints?

The condition described as symmetric inflammatory peripheral polyarthritis characterized by lymphocytic infiltration of the synovial joints is best identified as rheumatoid arthritis. This disease is primarily an autoimmune disorder, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues, particularly the synovium, which is the lining of the joints.

In rheumatoid arthritis, the lymphocytic infiltration into the synovial joints leads to inflammation, resulting in swelling, pain, and potential joint damage over time if not managed appropriately. The symmetric nature of the arthritis means that the same joints on both sides of the body are commonly affected, which is a hallmark feature of this condition.

Other choices reflect different forms of arthritis or autoimmune conditions that present with distinct characteristics. For instance, systemic lupus erythematosus is a systemic autoimmune disease that can cause joint symptoms but is not exclusively characterized by symmetric peripheral polyarthritis with lymphocytic infiltration of synovial joints. Psoriatic arthritis, associated with skin psoriasis, can also present with joint symptoms but does not typically manifest symmetrically in the same way as rheumatoid arthritis. Gouty arthritis, associated with the deposition of uric acid crystals, leads to acute inflammatory attacks rather than the chronic inflammatory pattern seen in rheumatoid arthritis.

Thus,