A Narrative Literature Review Comparing the Key Features of Musculoskeletal Involvement in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

The objective of this narrative literature review is to compare the immunopathogenesis, structural features, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) studies and management of joint manifestations in RA and SLE. We highlight the key similarities and differences between the two diseases. Overall, the literature evaluated indicates that synovitis and radiographical progression are the key features in RA, while inflammation without swelling, tendinitis and tenosynovitis are more prominent features in SLE. In addition, the importance of defining patients with RA by the presence or absence of autoantibodies and categorizing patients with SLE by synovitis detected by musculoskeletal ultrasound and by structural phenotype (non-deforming, non-erosive arthritis, Jaccoud ’s arthropathy and ‘Rhupus’) with respect to joint manifestations will also be discussed. An increased understanding of the joint manifestations in RA and SLE may inform evidence-based clinical decisions for both diseases.
Source: Rheumatology and Therapy - Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research