Altered Lymphatic Vessel Anatomy and Markedly Diminished Lymph Clearance in the Rheumatoid Hand with Active Arthritis

ConclusionsLymphatic drainage in the hands of RA patients with active disease was reduced compared to controls. This reduction was associated with less total length of ICG+ LVs on the dorsal surface of the hands, which continued to contract at a similar rate to controls. These findings provide a plausible mechanism for exacerbation of synovitis and joint damage. Specifically, the accumulation and retention of inflammatory cells and catabolic factors in RA joints due to impaired efferent lymphatic flow. NIR ‐ICG imaging of RA hands is feasible and warrants formal investigation as a primary outcome measure of arthritis disease severity and/or persistence in future clinical trials.

Source: Arthritis and Rheumatology - May 17, 2020 Category: Rheumatology Authors: Richard D. Bell, Homaira Rahimi, H. Mark Kenney, Alicia A. Lieberman, Ronald W. Wood, Edward M. Schwarz, Christopher T. Ritchlin Tags: FULL LENGTH Source Type: research