Enthesitis in Psoriatic Arthritis, the Sonographic Perspective
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo provide an overview of the ultrasound (US) studies focusing on enthesitis in psoriatic arthritis (PsA).Recent FindingsLast-generation US equipment has demonstrated the ability to detect subtle morphostructural and vascular abnormalities at entheseal level. US is able to identify pathologic changes in both “classical” (i.e., the site of attachment of tendons, ligaments, and joint capsules into the bone) and “functional” entheses (i.e., anatomical regions where tendons or ligaments wrap around bony pulleys).SummaryUS has the potential to be the first-line method in the assessment of enthes...
Source: Current Rheumatology Reports - August 24, 2021 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research
Imaging of Joint and Soft Tissue Involvement in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo highlight the potential uses and applications of imaging in the assessment of the most common and relevant musculoskeletal (MSK) manifestations in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).Recent FindingsUltrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are accurate and sensitive in the assessment of inflammation and structural damage at the joint and soft tissue structures in patients with SLE. The US is particularly helpful for the detection of joint and/or tendon inflammation in patients with arthralgia but without clinical synovitis, and for the early identification of bone erosions. MRI plays a...
Source: Current Rheumatology Reports - July 16, 2021 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research
Long-Term Safety of Rituximab (Risks of Viral and Opportunistic Infections)
AbstractPurpose of ReviewWe reviewed the current data on infections associated with rituximab use published over the last 5 years.Recent FindingsNew literature was available on rates of serious infections, Hepatitis B reactivation and screening, and infection with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2.SummaryRates of infection varied by study and population, however, higher risk of infection in patients with underlying rheumatologic diseases was seen in those who required a therapy switch, had a smoking history, and those undergoing retreatment who had a serious infection with their first course of therapy. With ...
Source: Current Rheumatology Reports - July 16, 2021 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research
Imaging of Joint and Soft Tissue Involvement in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo highlight the potential uses and applications of imaging in the assessment of the most common and relevant musculoskeletal (MSK) manifestations in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).Recent FindingsUltrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are accurate and sensitive in the assessment of inflammation and structural damage at the joint and soft tissue structures in patients with SLE. The US is particularly helpful for the detection of joint and/or tendon inflammation in patients with arthralgia but without clinical synovitis, and for the early identification of bone erosions. MRI plays a...
Source: Current Rheumatology Reports - July 16, 2021 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research
Long-Term Safety of Rituximab (Risks of Viral and Opportunistic Infections)
AbstractPurpose of ReviewWe reviewed the current data on infections associated with rituximab use published over the last 5 years.Recent FindingsNew literature was available on rates of serious infections, Hepatitis B reactivation and screening, and infection with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2.SummaryRates of infection varied by study and population, however, higher risk of infection in patients with underlying rheumatologic diseases was seen in those who required a therapy switch, had a smoking history, and those undergoing retreatment who had a serious infection with their first course of therapy. With ...
Source: Current Rheumatology Reports - July 16, 2021 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research
What Has Dual Energy CT Taught Us About Gout?
AbstractPurpose of the ReviewDual energy computed tomography (DECT) scan has emerged as a useful diagnostic tool in the diagnosis of gout over recent years. Here, we review the role of DECT in the context of typical and atypical gout, including its role in identifying extra-articular monosodium urate (MSU) deposition.Recent FindingsDECT has been found to be more accurate than ultrasound in detecting extra-articular MSU deposition in soft tissue. It has the ability to identify axial MSU deposition in gout patients with non-specific back pain. For individuals with no other clear etiology, this potentially implicates MSU as t...
Source: Current Rheumatology Reports - July 14, 2021 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research
The Role of Antiphospholipid Antibodies in COVID-19
AbstractPurpose of the ReviewElevated levels of anti-phospholipid (aPL) antibodies are the most important criterion in the diagnosis of anti-phospholipid syndrome (APS) and are usually responsible for promoting the risk of thrombotic complications. Now, in the course of the global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, measurable aPL antibodies have also been detected in a noticeable number of patients showing a variety ranging from studies with only isolated positive tests to cohorts with very high positivity. Thus, the question arises as to whether these two different clinical pictures may be linked.Recent Finding...
Source: Current Rheumatology Reports - July 14, 2021 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research
What Has Dual Energy CT Taught Us About Gout?
AbstractPurpose of the ReviewDual energy computed tomography (DECT) scan has emerged as a useful diagnostic tool in the diagnosis of gout over recent years. Here, we review the role of DECT in the context of typical and atypical gout, including its role in identifying extra-articular monosodium urate (MSU) deposition.Recent FindingsDECT has been found to be more accurate than ultrasound in detecting extra-articular MSU deposition in soft tissue. It has the ability to identify axial MSU deposition in gout patients with non-specific back pain. For individuals with no other clear etiology, this potentially implicates MSU as t...
Source: Current Rheumatology Reports - July 14, 2021 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research
The Role of Antiphospholipid Antibodies in COVID-19
AbstractPurpose of the ReviewElevated levels of anti-phospholipid (aPL) antibodies are the most important criterion in the diagnosis of anti-phospholipid syndrome (APS) and are usually responsible for promoting the risk of thrombotic complications. Now, in the course of the global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, measurable aPL antibodies have also been detected in a noticeable number of patients showing a variety ranging from studies with only isolated positive tests to cohorts with very high positivity. Thus, the question arises as to whether these two different clinical pictures may be linked.Recent Finding...
Source: Current Rheumatology Reports - July 14, 2021 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research
Advances in Juvenile Spondyloarthritis
AbstractPurposeTo provide an overview of recent studies on pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of juvenile spondyloarthritis (JSpA).Recent FindingsRecent studies show differences in gut microbiome in patients with JSpA in comparison to healthy controls. There is increased recognition of the impact of the innate immune system on disease pathology. Normative reference on MRI of sacroiliac (SI) joints in children is now available. However, there is significant variability in interpretation of MRI of SI joints in children and a need for standardization. NSAIDs, physical therapy, and Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitors (TNFi) ...
Source: Current Rheumatology Reports - July 13, 2021 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research
Re-Examining Myofascial Pain Syndrome: Toward Biomarker Development and Mechanism-Based Diagnostic Criteria
AbstractPurpose of ReviewWe discuss the need for a mechanism-based diagnostic framework with a focus on the development of objective measures (e.g., biomarkers) that can potentially be added to the diagnostic criteria of the syndrome. Potential biomarkers are discussed in relation to current knowledge on the pathophysiology of myofascial pain syndrome (MPS), including alterations in redox status, inflammation, and the myofascial trigger point (MTrP) biochemical milieu, as well as imaging and neurophysiological outcomes. Finally, we discuss the long-term goal of conducting a Delphi survey, to assess the influence of putativ...
Source: Current Rheumatology Reports - July 8, 2021 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research
Systematic Review of Antiphospholipid Antibodies in COVID-19 Patients: Culprits or Bystanders?
AbstractPurpose of ReviewCOVID-19 patients have a procoagulant state with a high prevalence of thrombotic events. The hypothesis of an involvement of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) has been suggested by several reports. Here, we reviewed 48 studies investigating aPL in COVID-19 patients.Recent FindingsPrevalence of Lupus Anticoagulant (LA) ranged from 35% to 92% in ICU patients. Anti-cardiolipin (aCL) IgG and IgM were found in up to 52% and up to 40% of patients respectively. Anti- β2-glycoprotein I (a β2-GPI) IgG and IgM were found in up to 39% and up to 34% of patients respectively. Between 1% and 12% of patients ha...
Source: Current Rheumatology Reports - July 3, 2021 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research
