Into Clinical Practice: Diagnosis and Therapy of Retroperitoneal Fibrosis
AbstractPurpose of the ReviewWe aim to review the most relevant diagnostic features and treatment options of retroperitoneal fibrosis, in order to provide a useful guide for clinical practice.Recent FindingsThe recent literature highlights the role of imaging studies such as computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography as useful tools for the diagnosis of retroperitoneal fibrosis, with retroperitoneal biopsy being reserved to atypical cases. The treatment approach is mainly conservative and is based on the use of medical therapies plus urological interventions. Medical therapies essentia...
Source: Current Rheumatology Reports - February 10, 2021 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research
Clinical Approach to Diagnosis and Therapy of Polyarteritis Nodosa
AbstractPurpose of the ReviewPolyarteritis nodosa is a rare disease characterized by the necrotizing inflammation of medium-sized arteries. Different etiopathogenetic and clinical variants of the disease have been recognized over the past decades. In the present paper, we review the clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment of the different subtypes of the disease.Recent FindingsThe diagnosis of polyarteritis nodosa is primarily based on clinical findings, imaging, and histopathological investigations. Microbiological and genetic investigations complement the diagnostic work-up. Idiopathic and hereditary variants of poly...
Source: Current Rheumatology Reports - February 10, 2021 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research
Blood Biomarkers for Monitoring and Prognosis of Large Vessel Vasculitides
AbstractPurpose of ReviewLarge vessel vasculitides (LVVs) are inflammatory conditions of the wall of large-sized arteries, mainly represented by giant cell arteritis (GCA) and Takayasu arteritis (TA). The inflammatory process within the vessel wall can lead to serious consequences such as development of aneurysms, strokes and blindness; therefore, early diagnosis and follow-up of LVV are fundamental. However, the arterial wall is poorly accessible and blood biomarkers are intended to help physicians not only in disease diagnosis but also in monitoring and defining the prognosis of these conditions, thus assisting therapeut...
Source: Current Rheumatology Reports - February 10, 2021 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Children and Young People
AbstractPurpose of ReviewJuvenile-onset systemic lupus erythematosus ((j)SLE) is an autoimmune/inflammatory disease that results in significant damage and disability. When compared to patients with disease onset in adulthood, jSLE patients exhibit increased disease activity, damage and require more aggressive treatments. This manuscript summarises age-specific pathogenic mechanisms and underscores the need for age group –specific research, classification and treatment.Recent FindingsGenetic factors play a significant role in the pathophysiology of jSLE, as> 7% of patients develop disease as a result of single gene ...
Source: Current Rheumatology Reports - February 10, 2021 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research
Update on Post-Streptococcal Reactive Arthritis: Narrative Review of a Forgotten Disease
AbstractPurpose of the ReviewThis topical review attempts to build the concepts of PSRA as an independent entity and discuss prevalent diagnostic criteria. It utilizes a search strategy to collate all clinical features of PSRA reported from across the world and also discusses laboratory and treatment options in brief.Recent FindingsThere are several immune-mediated diseases described after acute streptococcal infections. Post-streptococcal reactive arthritis (PSRA) is a sterile, self-limiting arthritis that occur as an immune sequelae to streptococcal infection. Though PSRA resembles the arthritis of acute rheumatic fever ...
Source: Current Rheumatology Reports - February 10, 2021 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research
