Inflammatory Joint Symptoms Research Articles

Diagnosis and treatment of Tropheryma whipplei infection in patients with inflammatory rheumatic disease: Data from the French Tw-IRD registry

Tropheryma whipplei infection can manifest as inflammatory joint symptoms, which can lead to misdiagnosis of inflammatory rheumatic disease and the use of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. We investigated the impact of diagnosis and treatment of Tropheryma whipplei infection in patients with inflammatory rheumatic disease. We initiated a registry including patients with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs-treated inflammatory rheumatic disease who were subsequently diagnosed with Tropheryma whipplei infection. We collected clinical, biological, treatment data of the inflammatory rheumatic disease, of Tropheryma whipplei infection, and impact of antibiotics on the evolution of inflammatory rheumatic disease. Among 73 inflammatory rheumatic disease patients, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs initiation triggered extra-articular manifestations in 27% and resulted in stabilisation (51%), worsening (34%), or improvement (15%) of inflammatory rheumatic disease. At the diagnosis of Tropheryma whipplei infection, all patients had rheumatological symptoms (mean age 58 years, median inflammatory rheumatic disease duration 79 months), 84% had extra-rheumatological manifestations, 93% had elevated C-reactive protein, and 86% had hypoalbuminemia. Treatment of Tropheryma whipplei infection consisted mainly of doxycycline plus hydroxychloroquine, leading to remission of Tropheryma whipplei infection in 79% of cases. Antibiotic treatment of Tropheryma whipplei infection was associated with remission of inflammatory rheumatic disease in 93% of cases and enabled disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs and glucocorticoid discontinuation in most cases. Tropheryma whipplei infection should be considered in inflammatory rheumatic disease patients with extra-articular manifestations, elevated C-reactive protein, and/or hypoalbuminemia before disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs initiation or in inflammatory rheumatic disease patients with an inadequate response to one or more disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. Positive results of screening and diagnostic tests for Tropheryma whipplei infection involve antibiotic treatment, which is associated with complete recovery of Tropheryma whipplei infection and rapid remission of inflammatory rheumatic disease, allowing disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs and glucocorticoid discontinuation.

Whole-body MRI for the investigation of joint involvement in inflammatory arthritis

ObjectivesThis study aimed to develop a novel whole-body MRI protocol capable of assessing inflammatory arthritis at an early stage in multiple joints in one examination.Materials and methodsForty-six patients with inflammatory joint symptoms and 9 healthy volunteers underwent whole-body MR imaging on a 3.0 T MRI scanner in this prospective study. Image quality and pathology in each joint, bursae, entheses and tendons were scored by two of three radiologists and compared to clinical joint scores. Participants were divided into three groups based on diagnosis at 1-year follow-up (healthy volunteers, rheumatoid arthritis and all other types of arthritis). Radiology scores were compared between the three groups using a Kruskal-Wallis test. The clinical utility of radiology scoring was compared to clinical scoring using ROC analysis.ResultsA protocol capable of whole-body MR imaging of the joints with an image acquisition time under 20 min was developed with excellent image quality. Synovitis scores were significantly higher in patients who were diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at 12 months (p < 0.05). Radiology scoring of bursitis showed statistically significant differences between each of the three groups—healthy control, rheumatoid arthritis and non-rheumatoid arthritis (p < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in ROC analysis between MRI and clinical scores.ConclusionThis study has developed a whole-body MRI joint imaging protocol that is clinically feasible and shows good differentiation of joint pathology between healthy controls, patients with rheumatoid arthritis and patients with other forms of arthritis.

P30 An unusual infective cause of inflammatory arthritis

P30 An unusual infective cause of inflammatory arthritis

Serum leucine-rich alpha-2 glycoprotein levels in rheumatoid arthritis and spondyloarthritis: A promising biomarker

Background: In the early stages of the disease, some of the signs and symptoms of joint inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may resemble that of spondyloarthritis (SpA). An examination that can help distinguish RA and SpA is warranted. One such examination is the measurement of serum leucine-rich alpha-2 glycoprotein (LRG) levels. This study aimed to measure serum LRG levels in RA and SpA patients and determine the role of LRG in the diagnosis of RA and SpA. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study consisting of 26 RA subjects and 26 SpA subjects. The SpA subjects were further grouped into ankylosing spondylitis (AS), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and peripheral SpA. Measurement of serum LRG levels were conducted using ELISA. Difference between LRG levels of the two groups were compared using the Mann-Whitney test. Results: LRG levels were elevated in 76.9% and 84.6% of subjects with RA and SpA, respectively. The median LRG levels were higher in RA subjects (77.03 (27.16–107.73)) than SpA (68.67 (33.15–115.18)). There was no significant difference in LRG levels in RA and SpA subjects (p = .442). The RA and PsA group were predominated by diseases of moderate activity, 88.5% and 58.3%, respectively. In comparison, AS was dominated by high disease activity (85.7%). The highest median LRG levels in AR and SpA subjects were in new-onset patients (82.21 vs. 72.25 µg/dL). Conclusions: There was no significant difference in LRG levels between RA and SpA subjects. The role of LRG in the diagnosis of RA and SpA remains to be determined in future studies.

P023 Comparative Utility of Ultrasound in Known Vs Query New inflammatory Arthritis - a Retrospective Case-Note Audit

Abstract Background/Aims Ultrasound (US) imaging has become established in clinical Rheumatology practice to aid diagnosis and monitoring of inflammatory arthritis (IA). We firstly wanted to explore the utility of US in the assessment for active synovitis in subjects with known IA, but clinically uncertain disease control. Secondly we set out to compare this with the diagnostic contribution of US in patients presenting with new inflammatory joint symptoms and uncertain clinical synovitis. Methods Two contemporaneous samples of subjects were selected from consecutive, pre-Covid, Rheumatology Consultant-delivered Ultrasound Clinic lists in our department: (i) subjects with known IA where clinical disease activity was uncertain, and (ii) subjects without know IA who had symptoms with inconclusive signs of suspected IA. Both grey scale and power Doppler US imaging was used to determine a sonographic conclusion of active IA being present, absent or equivocal. Treatment changes/ decisions were ascertained from the next available clinic letter to explore diagnostic consequences following US. Results (i) In the sample of subjects with known IA (n = 30, mean age 53.9 years, 63% female, RA 76.7%, all on DMARDs [20% biologics]), 43.3%(n = 13) had US evidence of active IA, and 50% of inactive IA (and the remainder reported as equivocal). At clinic review (n = 30) only 6 of 13 subjects with active US IA had their DMARD treatment escalated (all within same DMARD) and 5 out of 15 subjects with inactive US IA their DMARD de-escalated. (ii) In the sample of subjects with suspected IA (n = 30, mean age 51.5 years, 73% female): 16.7% (n = 5) had US evidence of IA and 77.7% not (and remainder reported as equivocal). At the next clinic review seven patients were commenced on DMARDs: three patients with IA on US, and 4 without. Conclusion In our department, Rheumatology clinicians appear to be referring for diagnostic US in known IA from a situation approaching clinical equipoise which would suggest optimum referral practice. If we assume that this clinical equipoise also applies to the assessment and referral practice of new patients with arthralgia but uncertain clinical synovitis, our diagnostic sensitivity of US is approximately 16.7%, meaning: six patients with suspected IA need referral for US to identify one with sonographic IA. Irrespective of this, we observed that the sonographic diagnosis in known or suspected IA is commonly not followed by a concordant treatment decision, suggesting that the US diagnosis forms only part of the diagnostic ‘jigsaw’ decision process. Disclosure M. Adikari: None. C. Koutsianas: None. H. John: None. R. Klocke: None.

Ultrasound to identify systemic lupus erythematosus patients with musculoskeletal symptoms who respond best to therapy: the US Evaluation For mUsculoskeletal Lupus longitudinal multicentre study.

ObjectivesTo determine whether SLE patients with inflammatory joint symptoms and US synovitis/tenosyovitis achieve better clinical responses to glucocorticoids compared with patients with normal scans. Secondary objectives included identification of clinical features predicting US synovitis/tenosynovitis.MethodsIn a longitudinal multicentre study, SLE patients with physician-diagnosed inflammatory joint pain received intramuscular methylprednisolone 120 mg once. Clinical assessments, patient-reported outcomes and bilateral hand/wrist USs were collected at 0, 2 and 6 weeks. The primary outcome (determined via internal pilot) was the early morning stiffness visual analogue scale (EMS-VAS) at 2 weeks, adjusted for baseline, comparing patients with positive (greyscale ≥2 and/or power Doppler ≥1) and negative US. Post hoc analyses excluded FM.ResultsOf 133 patients, 78 had a positive US. Only 53 (68%) of these had one or more swollen joint. Of 66 patients with one or more swollen joint, 20% had a negative US. A positive US was associated with joint swelling, symmetrical small joint distribution and serology. The primary endpoint was not met: in the full analysis set (N = 133) there was no difference in baseline-adjusted EMS-VAS at week 2 [−7.7 mm (95% CI −19.0, 3.5); P = 0.178]. After excluding 32 patients with FM, response was significantly better in patients with a positive US at baseline [baseline-adjusted EMS-VAS at 2 weeks −12.1 mm (95% CI −22.2, −0.1); P = 0.049]. This difference was greater when adjusted for treatment [−12.8 mm (95% CI −22, −3); P = 0.007]. BILAG and SLEDAI responses were higher in US-positive patients.ConclusionIn SLE patients without FM, those with a positive US had a better clinical response to therapy. Imaging-detected synovitis/tenosynovitis may be considered to decide on therapy and enrich clinical trials.

EP26 HIV infection masquerading as connective tissue disease

Case report - IntroductionConnective tissue diseases are multisystem disorders. Diagnosis and evaluation of suspected cases is not straight forward in most of the cases. This case describes the significance of considering a broader approach when evaluating a suspected case of connective tissue disease.Case report - Case descriptionWe describe a case of 58 years old non-smoker lady, presented with acute onset livedo reticularis rash on lower limbs and background of sicca symptoms, oral ulcers, fatigue, paraesthesias in feet and arthralgias without any systemic or inflammatory joint symptoms.General examination showed livedo reticularis rash on both elbows and lower legs. There was no evidence of peripheral joint synovitis, but she had nodal osteoarthritis in her hands. Systemic examination was unremarkable.Investigations revealed anaemia, pancytopenia, ESR of 77, low C4 and urine dipstick positive for leucocytes, nitrates, protein, and blood. Schirmer’s test, ANA and ENA screen was positive with positive RNP and SMdp antibody. She also had hypergammaglobulinemia in a polyclonal pattern. Nerve Conduction and EMG studies revealed mild axonal sensory neuropathy.Case report - DiscussionThis lady appeared to have mixed connective tissue disease with mixed features of Sjögren’s syndrome and systemic lupus erythematosus. She was started on Hydroxychloroquine but stopped it shortly after developing floaters in her eye. She had poor response to Depomedrone injection. She had ongoing symptoms of fatigue, weight-loss, loose stools, and abdominal pain, investigated further and CT scan showed hyperdense liver lesions and mesenteric lymphadenopathy. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy showed oesophageal candidiasis. She was admitted with progressive symptoms. Further investigations showed a positive HIV test and liver biopsy came back positive for anaplastic lymphoma, later she was diagnosed with advanced HIV disease, rapidly deteriorated with neutropenic sepsis and multi-organ failure, and unfortunately died.Case report - Key learning pointsThis lady initially presented with symptoms of connective tissue disease and investigations in keeping with this diagnosis. Unfortunately, by the time she was tested for HIV infection, it was already too late. There could be overlap of symptoms of connective tissue disease and viral infections e.g. HIV infection. Autoantibodies may be falsely positive in infections e.g. HIV and in malignancy. Risk factors of HIV infection should be considered during assessment of multisystem diseases like connective tissue diseases particularly prior to immunosuppression. Viral screening including HIV test should be considered in all high-risk patients and particularly if the symptoms are atypical and do not quite fit well with the diagnosis.

Chikungunya-Induced Arthritis in Reunion Island: A Long-Term Observational Follow-Up Study Showing Frequently Persistent Joint Symptoms, Some Cases of Persistent Chikungunya Immunoglobulin M Positivity, and No Anticyclic Citrullinated Peptide Seroconversion After 13 Years.

Reunion Island was struck by a massive Chikungunya outbreak in 2005-2006. Chikungunya infection is characterized by inflammatory joint symptoms, which may evolve into chronic arthritis. In this long-term longitudinal observational monocentric study, after the 2005-2006 outbreak in Reunion Island, 159 patients were first referred to a rheumatologist for post-Chikungunya chronic musculoskeletal pain, 73 of them were diagnosed with classifiable Chikungunya-related chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases (>3 month symptom duration from the initial viral infection). Thirty of these 73 patients were clinically evaluated by a second rheumatologist in 2018-2019. The main objective of this second examination was to estimate the proportion of patients with persistent Chikungunya-related inflammatory joint symptoms after 13 years. Inflammatory joint symptoms persisted in 17/30 patients after 13 years (therefore in at least 23.3% of the 73 patients initially diagnosed with Chikungunya-related inflammatory joint symptoms and 10.7% of the 159 patients referred for post-Chikungunya chronic musculoskeletal pain). In the symptom persistence subgroup, the prevalence of positive autoantibodies (antinuclear or ACPA) was significantly higher - without any seroconversion, Chikungunya IgG and IgM levels were higher, long-term IgM positivity and radiographic damage were more frequent. Overall, after 13 years, pain and fatigue levels remained significant, 5 patients were still treated by methotrexate, 3 by TNF-blockers, highlighting long-term Chikungunya-related patient burden. Such a long-term persistence of Chikungunya-related chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases had not been reported so far. Furthermore, the long-term Chikungunya IgM positivity we observed in some cases might corroborate the hypothesis of residual viral antigen-driven chronic arthritis.

P560 Incidence of joint symptoms in patients with inflammatory bowel disease on treatment with vedolizumab

Abstract Background Vedolizumab is a monoclonal antibody that binds to an integrin resulting in gut-selective anti-inflammatory activity. It is indicated for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), both in Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), but no benefit has been proved on inflammatory joint disease. The aim of this study was to analyse the incidence of the debut of inflammatory joint disease and also analyse the prevalence of outbreak of the previously known joint disease in IBD patients during treatment with vedolizumab. Methods Descriptive observational study of a prospective cohort of IBD patients treated with vedolizumab. All patients met the following inclusion criteria: adults &amp;gt; 18 years, histological diagnosis of CD or UC and having received or being currently being treated with vedolizumab. Demographic, clinical and analytical information were obtained from the Hospital’s database from both Gastroenterology and Rheumatology clinical records. Results A total of 44 patients (25 with CD and 19 with UC) were included. Of these, most had been pretreated with anti-TNF (41 switchers and 3 patients näive to biological therapy). The mean age of the included patients was 50 ± 15.4 years with predominantly female (54%). The mean follow-up time of patients in this study was 26 ± 10 months. In total, 13 patients (30%) presented joint symptoms during treatment with vedolizumab (8 with EC and 9 with UC). Of these 13 patients, 3 already had previous diagnosis of inflammatory joint pathology (spondyloarthritis), 6 patients debuted with inflammatory joint symptoms during treatment with vedolizumab and 4 mechanical arthralgias. Of the 6 patients with debut of inflammatory profile symptoms, inflammatory pathology was confirmed in 5 patients (spondyloarthritis) and 1 patient presented osteomuscular mechanical pathology. A total of 11 patients with the diagnosed rheumatological disease (25%) were observed in this cohort. Conclusion The incidence of inflammatory joint pathology in IBD patients treated with vedolizumab is similar to the one described in other cohorts regardless of the treatment received. Suspension of anti-TNF treatment to switch to vedolizumab may be associated with outbreaks of rheumatic disease. This presents a new challenge in the therapeutic approach, being crucial a multidisciplinary approach.

Symptoms associated with inflammatory arthritis are common in the primary care population: results from the joint symptoms survey.

To describe the prevalence of self-reported inflammatory joint symptoms, such as joint pain, stiffness and swelling, in UK primary care patients consulting for both musculoskeletal (MSK) and non-musculoskeletal (non-MSK) complaints. A joint symptoms questionnaire survey was sent to 10 161 individuals, of whom 5050 had consulted for MSK problems. These were matched by age, gender and general practice to non-MSK consulters. Participants provided data on relevant symptoms such as joint pain, stiffness and swelling. The prevalence of these symptoms, their severity and impact were compared between MSK and non-MSK consulters. A total of 4549 adults responded to the survey (adjusted response 45.8%) of whom 52.3% consulted for a MSK problem. The mean (s.d.) age was 61.6 (14.8) years and 58.9% were female. Persistent (on at least half of the days in the last month) inflammatory symptoms were common even in non-MSK consulters, with 42% reporting joint pain, 36% reporting joint stiffness and 18% reporting joint swelling. This is in comparison with 62% reporting joint pain, 50% stiffness and 24% swelling among MSK consulters. Although symptoms such as persistent joint pain, swelling and stiffness are predictive of inflammatory arthritis, large numbers of people consulting primary care for non-MSK reasons report these symptoms when asked by questionnaire. This compounds the challenges of diagnosing inflammatory arthritis in a non-specialist setting where new approaches are needed to ensure accurate, early diagnosis, facilitating a treat-to-target approach.

Adult-Onset Still's Disease: Persistent Pruritic Erythematous Plaques and Papules

We present a case of a 24 year-old woman with high fever, pruritic erythematous plaques and papules on the trunk and extremities, inflammatory peripheral joint symptoms and sore throat for two weeks. The patient had neutrophilic leucocytosis, elevated acute phase proteins (erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein and ferritin) and increased liver enzymes. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed mild splenomegaly. After the exclusion of infection, malignancy and other rheumatic inflammatory diseases, the patient was diagnosed with adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD) meeting to Yamaguchi criteria. Clinical symptoms and abnormal laboratory tests rapidly improved within days of starting glucocorticoid treatment. The presence of typical evanescent skin rash (salmon-pink) is one of the major criteria of disease, however different skin lesions such as persistent pruritic erythematous plaques and papules have been occasionally reported in association with AOSD on trunk and extremities, which may be confused with other diseases. Therefore, the recognition of the atypical skin lesions with AOSD is necessary for diagnosis and choice treatment of disease.

Micro-structural bone changes in early rheumatoid arthritis persist over 1-year\xa0despite use of disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug therapy

BackgroundWe used High Resolution – peripheral Quantitative CT (HR-pQCT) imaging to examine peri-articular bone quality in early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and explore whether bone quality improved over 12-months in individuals receiving care consistent with practice guidelines.MethodsA 1-year longitudinal cohort study (Baseline and 12-months) evaluating individuals with early RA compared to age/sex-matched peers. Personal demographic and health and lifestyle information were collected for all. Whereas, active joint count (AJC28), functional limitation, and RA medications were also collected for RA participants. HR-pQCT imaging analyses quantified bone density and microstructure in the Metacarpal Head (MH) and Ultra-Ultra-Distal (UUD) radius at baseline and 12-months. Analyses included a General Linear Modelling repeated measures analyses examined main effects for disease, time, and interaction on bone quality.ResultsParticipants (n = 60, 30 RA/30 NRA); 80% female, mean age 53 (varying from 21 to 74 years). At baseline, RA participants were on average 7.7 months since diagnosis, presenting with few active joints (AJC28: 30% none, remaining 70% Median 4 active joints) and minimal self-reported functional limitation (mHAQ-DI0–3: 0.56). At baseline, 29 of 30 RA participants had received one or more non-biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARD);13 in combination with glucocorticoid and 1 in combination with a biologic medication. One participant only received glucocorticoid medication. Four RA participants withdrew leaving 26 pairs (n = 52) at 12-months; 23 pairs (n = 46) with UUD and 22 pairs (n = 44) with MH baseline and 12-month images to compare. Notable RA/NRA differences (p < 0.05) in bone quality at all three sites included lower trabecular bone density and volume, more rod-like trabeculae, and larger and more variable spaces between trabeculae; fewer trabeculae at the UUD and MH2 sites; and lower cortical bone density and volume in the MH sites. Rate of change over 12-months did not differ between RA/NRA participants which meant there was also no improvement over the year in RA bone quality.ConclusionsEarly changes in peri-articular bone density and microstructure seen in RA are consistent with changes more commonly seen in aging bone and are slow or resistant to recover despite well controlled inflammatory joint symptoms with early DMARD therapy.

Arthritis secondary to meningococcal disease: A case series of 7 patients.

Arthritis secondary to invasive meningococcemia is rare and has been described as a direct result of bacteremia or as immunoallergic-type arthritis, related to the immune complex. Only a few case series have been reported.This multicenter study aimed to describe the clinical characteristics and therapeutic outcomes of arthritis secondary to meningococcal infection.We performed a 5-year retrospective study. We included all patients with inflammatory joint symptoms and proven meningococcal disease defined by the identification of Neisseria meningitidis in blood, cerebrospinal fluid, or synovial fluid. Septic arthritis was defined by the identification of N meningitidis in joint fluid. Immune-mediated arthritis was considered to be arthritis occurring after at least 1 day of invasive meningococcal disease without positive joint fluid culture.A total of 7 patients (5 males) with joint symptoms and meningococcal disease were identified. The clinical presentation was mainly oligoarticular and the knee was the most frequent joint site. Five patients had septic arthritis and 4 had immune-mediated arthritis; 2 had septic arthritis followed by immune-mediated arthritis. Immune-mediated arthritis occurred 3 to 7 days after meningococcal meningitis, and treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) led to improvement without complications.Physicians must be vigilant to the different clinical presentations in patients with arthritis associated with invasive meningococcal disease. If immune-mediated arthritis is suspected, NSAIDs are usually efficient.

Detection of antibodies to citrullinated tenascin-C in patients with early synovitis is associated with the development of rheumatoid arthritis

Early treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) results in more effective disease suppression and can be key to a successful patient response. However, not all people who exhibit early synovitis develop...

Investigation of Enthesopathy with Ultrasonography and Comparison with Skin Findings in Asymptomatic Psoriatic Patients

Background: Joint involvement associated with psoriasis is referred to as psoriatic arthritis. A late diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis may cause a variety of morbidities; therefore, an early diagnosis and treatment of psoriatic arthritis are required. Asymptomatic psoriatic arthritis has been found in 8-70% of patients with psoriasis using imaging techniques. Objective: To investigate joint and enthesis regions by ultrasonography in patients with psoriasis without inflammatory joint symptoms to detect subclinical psoriatic arthritis. Methods: We included 50 psoriasis patients and 30 healthy control subjects without joint complaint in this study. Twelve joint regions of all subjects in each group were examined by ultrasonography. Results: The presence of any pathological ultrasonography finding (30%) was higher but did not significantly differ in psoriasis patients compared with the control group (13.33%; p > 0.05). Conclusion: Although statistically not significant, the pathological ultrasonography findings were approximately twofold more common in patients with psoriasis compared with the control group. Therefore, the development of psoriatic arthritis in patients with psoriasis should be more closely followed.

Proinflammatory S100 proteins as clinical markers of juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Objectives. Proteins of the S100 family (S100A8/9, or calprotectin) are known to be useful diasease activity biomarkers of JIA. We hypothesize that titres calprotectin in serum and synovial fluid of children with acute and unconfirmed inflammatory joint symptoms will identify patients who will progress to JIA and our aim is to examine its prognostic value. Methods. A standardized diagnostic evaluation and analysis of serum S100A8/A9 was performed in 115 children with acute (symptoms up to 6 weeks) arthritis as well as in 59 healthy individuals. 47 arthritis patients underwent joint fluid aspiration and samples were collected at the time of presentation. Proteins in serum and synovial fluid were measured by ELISA and compared by the unpaired t test. Arthritis outcome (chronic or transient arthritis) was recorded at 1- and 2-year follow-up periods. JIA diagnosis, disease activity and remission were established according to ILAR and ACR recommendations. Results. The levels of serum and synovial fluid S100A8/A9 were significantly higher in patients with arthritis compared to the levels in healthy individuals (p

Idiopathic Arthritis Mutilans

Arthritis mutilans is considered the most severe form of the 5 original clinical patterns of psoriatic arthritis described by Wright and Moll1, but it also has been observed in rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, multicentric reticulohistiocytosis, and cutaneous T cell lymphoma2,3,4,5,6,7. We describe a patient with more than 25 years of peripheral inflammatory joint symptoms and findings consistent with arthritis mutilans but without personal …

OP0167 Acute Myocardial Infarction is Driven by Chronic Systemic Inflammation, Irrespective of the Kind of Treatment - Data from the German Biologics Register Rabbit

BackgroundRheumatoid arthritis is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality including acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Chronic systemic inflammation and accelerated atherosclerosis contribute to this risk. In daily practice, RA-patients with...

SAT0314 The role of musculoskeletal us as an outcome measure in the diagnosis and management of early psoriatic arthritis

Objectives1. to assess the correlation between US findings and clinical parameters, 2. to evaluate the prognostic value of US findings as predictors for clinical outcome and 3. To assess US...

PTH-139 A Unique Combined Gastroenterology/Rheumatology Clinic: the first Year

IntroductionArticular problems affect many patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and joint symptoms are often difficult to control despite the therapeutic strategies aimed at controlling gut inflammation (1). Patients with...