Which of the following is a chronic systemic inflammatory autoimmune disease that affects the joints and surrounding tissues?

Rheumatoid arthritis is classified as a chronic systemic inflammatory autoimmune disease primarily because it involves persistent inflammation in the joints and can also affect other tissues throughout the body. This condition occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the synovium, the lining of the membranes that surround the joints. Over time, this can lead to joint damage and other complications beyond the joints, which characterizes its systemic nature.

In contrast, lymphedema involves swelling due to lymphatic system obstruction and is not classified as an autoimmune disease. Lupus, while also an autoimmune disease, has a broader array of systemic involvement and is not limited specifically to joint inflammation. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome primarily involves persistent fatigue without necessarily having the same inflammatory or autoimmune aspects associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Thus, the defining characteristics of rheumatoid arthritis make it the correct choice in this context.