How Can Psoriatic Arthritis Be Diagnosed Early?

Abstract

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is an inflammatory arthritis that usually develops after the onset of cutaneous psoriasis. Early diagnosis of PsA may lead to less joint damage and better long-term outcomes. Identifying inflammatory arthritis in individuals with psoriasis is the key to early diagnosis of PsA. Screening strategies targeted at individuals with psoriasis, as well as family members of patients with PsA will result in early identification of PsA. This article describes the various strategies that could be employed to identify inflammatory arthritis in patients with psoriasis so that appropriate referral to a rheumatologist for early diagnosis of PsA may be made.