Subcutaneous calcinosis: Is it different between systemic sclerosis and dermatomyositis?

2021 ◽  
pp. 239719832110532
Author(s):  
Antonia Valenzuela ◽  
Lorinda Chung
Keyword(s):  
Systemic Sclerosis ◽  
Connective Tissue ◽  
Juvenile Dermatomyositis ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Connective Tissue Diseases ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Normal Serum ◽  
Carbonate Apatite ◽  
Skin Damage ◽  
Calcinosis Cutis

Calcinosis cutis is the deposition of insoluble calcium in the skin and subcutaneous tissues. It is a manifestation of several autoimmune connective tissue diseases, most frequently with systemic sclerosis and juvenile dermatomyositis, followed by adult dermatomyositis. Autoimmune connective tissue disease–associated calcinosis is of the dystrophic subtype, which occurs at sites of damaged tissue in the setting of normal serum calcium and phosphate levels. In juvenile dermatomyositis, calcinosis is considered a marker of ongoing disease activity and possibly inadequate treatment, while in adult dermatomyositis, it is a hallmark of skin damage due to chronic rather than active disease. Calcinosis is associated with long disease duration in systemic sclerosis and dermatomyositis, anti-polymyositis/sclerosis autoantibodies in systemic sclerosis and NXP-2 and melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 in dermatomyositis. Calcinosis in systemic sclerosis occurs most frequently in the hands, particularly the fingers, whereas in dermatomyositis, it affects mainly the trunk and extremities. The primary mineral component of calcinosis is hydroxyapatite in systemic sclerosis and carbonate apatite in dermatomyositis. Calcinosis in dermatomyositis and systemic sclerosis share some pathogenic mechanisms, but vascular hypoxia seems to play a more important role in systemic sclerosis, whereas the release of calcium from mitochondria in muscle cells damaged by myopathy may be a primary mechanism contributing to dermatomyositis-related calcinosis. Multiple treatment strategies for dermatomyositis and systemic sclerosis-related calcinosis have been used with variable results. Early aggressive treatment of underlying myositis in patients with dermatomyositis may improve long-term outcomes of calcinosis. A better understanding of the pathogenesis of calcinosis is needed to improve treatment options.

scholarly journals AB0605 CLINICAL PROFILE AND CHEST HIGH-RESOLUTION COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY (HRCT) FINDINGS IN PATIENTS WITH CONNECTIVE TISSUE DISEASES AND INTERSTITIAL LUNG DISEASE: EXPERIENCE OF A SINGLE REFERENCE RHEUMATOLOGY CENTER

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 1598.2-1599
Author(s):  
I. Rusu ◽  
L. Muntean ◽  
M. M. Tamas ◽  
I. Felea ◽  
L. Damian ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Systemic Sclerosis ◽  
High Resolution ◽  
Interstitial Lung Disease ◽  
Connective Tissue ◽  
Lung Disease ◽  
Interstitial Pneumonia ◽  
Connective Tissue Diseases ◽  
High Resolution Computed Tomography ◽  
Hrct Patterns

Background:Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a common manifestation of connective tissue diseases (CTDs), and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Chest high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) play an important role in the diagnosis of ILD and may provide prognostic information.Objectives:We aimed to characterize the clinical profile and chest HRCT abnormalities and patterns of patients diagnosed with CTDs and ILD.Methods:In this retrospective, observational study we included 80 consecutive patients with CTDs and ILD referred to a tertiary rheumatology center between 2015 and 2019. From hospital charts we collected clinical data, immunologic profile, chest HRCT findings. HRCT patterns were defined according to new international recommendations.Results:Out of 80 patients, 64 (80%) were women, with a mean age of 55 years old. The most common CTD associated with ILD was systemic sclerosis (38.8%), followed by polymyositis (22.5%) and rheumatoid arthritis (18.8%). The majority of patients had dyspnea on exertion (71.3%), bibasilar inspiratory crackles were present in 56.3% patients and 10% had clubbing fingers. Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) were present in 78.8% patients, and the most frequently detected autoantibodies against extractable nuclear antigen were anti-Scl 70 (28.8%), followed by anti-SSA (anti-Ro, 17.5%), anti-Ro52 (11.3%) and anti-Jo (7.5%). Intravenous cyclophosphamide therapy for 6-12 months was used in 35% of patients, while 5% of patients were treated with mycophenolate mofetil.The most frequent HRCT abnormalities were reticular abnormalities and ground glass opacity. Non-specific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) was identified in 46.3% CTDs patients. A pattern suggestive of usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) was present in 32.5% patients, mainly in patients with systemic sclerosis. In 21.3% patients the HRCT showed reticulo-nodular pattern, micronodules and other abnormalities, not diagnostic for UIP or NSIP pattern.Conclusion:Nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) is the most common HRCT pattern associated with CTDs. Further prospective longitudinal studies are needed in order to determine the clinical and prognostic significance of various HRCT patterns encountered in CTD-associated ILD and for better patient management.References:[1]Ohno Y, Koyama H, Yoshikaua T, Seki S. State-of-the-Art Imaging of the Lung for Connective Tissue Disease (CTD). Curr Rheumatol Rep. 2015;17(12):69.[2]Walsh SLF, Devaraj A, Enghelmeyer JI, Kishi K, Silva RS, Patel N, et al. Role of imaging in progressive-fibrosing interstitial lung diseases. Eur Respir Rev. 2018;27(150)Disclosure of Interests:None declared

Limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis: Total rehabilitation with fixed prosthesis on dental implants

2021 ◽  
pp. 239719832110043
Author(s):  
Miguel Angel Garcés Villalá ◽  
Carolina Zorrilla Albert
Keyword(s):  
Systemic Sclerosis ◽  
Bone Loss ◽  
Dental Implants ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Connective Tissue Diseases ◽  
The Body ◽  
Calcinosis Cutis ◽  
Complex Disorders ◽  
Standardized Parameters

Introduction: Limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis with special manifestations (calcinosis cutis, Raynaud’s phenomenon, esophageal dysmotility, sclerodactyly, and telangiectasia) is part of the group of connective tissue diseases, these rare autoimmune systemic pathologies cause thickening and hardening of tissues in different parts of the body and can lead to complex disorders. Oral manifestations of systemic sclerosis may include limited ability to open the mouth, xerostomia, periodontal disease, enlarged periodontal ligament, and bone resorption of the jaw. Case Description: A 54-year-old Caucasian patient presented with oral pain, swallowing, phonation and chewing difficulties associated with dental instability, hygiene/handling difficulties and her main problem with microstomia, which prevented her from removing the skeletal prosthesis for 4 years, depriving her of social life. Gradual treatment with dental implants was diagnosed and planned to support a fixed total denture adapted to the ridge with self-cleaning characteristics. After implant insertion, panoramic radiographs with standardized parameters were taken to compare crestal bone levels at the time of prosthesis placement and with 10 years of follow-up. Conclusion: The average crestal bone loss of the 12 implants after the 10 years of follow-up was 1.26 mm for the maxilla and 1.17 mm for the mandible. The survival of the 12 support implants of two total fixed prostheses in a clinical/radiographic follow-up of 10 years was 100%. After 10 years of follow-up, the 12 implants inserted had a bone loss similar to that of healthy patients and no pathologies were registered, recovering function, aesthetics, and self-esteem. This therapy must be implemented before the interincisal distance decreases to 30 mm to allow intraoral surgical/prosthetic access. Implant-supported total fixed rehabilitation is a viable, predictable, and recommended therapy in patients with limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis.

scholarly journals Knee myopericytoma-case report and literature review

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 127-128
Author(s):  
Susana Rodrigues ◽  
Catrine Ferreira ◽  
Tiago Coelho ◽  
Diogo Gaspar ◽  
Jean Fallah ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Case Report ◽  
Systemic Sclerosis ◽  
Middle Age ◽  
Subcutaneous Tissue ◽  
Connective Tissue Diseases ◽  
Systemic Lupus Erythematous ◽  
Systemic Lupus ◽  
Calcinosis Cutis ◽  
Substantial Morbidity

Calcinosis cutis is a rare disorder characterized by of deposition of insoluble calcium salts in the skin and subcutaneous tissue. Five subtypes of calcinosis cutis are described: dystrophic, metastatic, idiopathic, iatrogenic, and calciphylaxis.1 Of these subtypes, dystrophic calcinosis (DC) is the most common, and it is the most frequently seen in association with underlying autoimmune connective tissue diseases.2 Dermatomyositis, systemic sclerosis and less commonly systemic lupus erythematous were described to be complicated by DC. However, DC associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is extremely rare.2 The condition causes substantial morbidity and is associated with pain and limitation of movement when the process involves areas close to joints or when ulceration occurs.2 We report a middle age Sudanese woman with good controlled RA who developed dystrophic calcinosis cutis.

Genetics of connective tissue diseases

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Myles Lewis ◽  
Tim Vyse
Keyword(s):  
Systemic Sclerosis ◽  
Connective Tissue ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Apoptotic Cell ◽  
Association Studies ◽  
Group Analysis ◽  
Connective Tissue Diseases ◽  
Susceptibility Genes ◽  
Type I ◽  
Genome Wide Association Studies

The advent of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) has been an exciting breakthrough in our understanding of the genetic aetiology of autoimmune diseases. Substantial overlap has been found in susceptibility genes across multiple diseases, from connective tissue diseases and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to inflammatory bowel disease, coeliac disease, and psoriasis. Major technological advances now permit genotyping of millions of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Group analysis of SNPs by haplotypes, aided by completion of the Hapmap project, has improved our ability to pinpoint causal genetic variants. International collaboration to pool large-scale cohorts of patients has enabled GWAS in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), systemic sclerosis and Behçet's disease, with studies in progress for ANCA-associated vasculitis. These 'hypothesis-free' studies have revealed many novel disease-associated genes. In both SLE and systemic sclerosis, identified genes map to known pathways including antigen presentation (MHC, TNFSF4), autoreactivity of B and T lymphocytes (BLK, BANK1), type I interferon production (STAT4, IRF5) and the NFκ‎B pathway (TNIP1). In SLE alone, additional genes appear to be involved in dysregulated apoptotic cell clearance (ITGAM, TREX1, C1q, C4) and recognition of immune complexes (FCGR2A, FCGR3B). Future developments include whole-genome sequencing to identify rare variants, and efforts to understand functional consequences of susceptibility genes. Putative environmental triggers for connective tissue diseases include infectious agents, especially Epstein-Barr virus; cigarette smoking; occupational exposure to toxins including silica; and low vitamin D, due to its immunomodulatory effects. Despite numerous studies looking at toxin exposure and connective tissue diseases, conclusive evidence is lacking, due to either rarity of exposure or rarity of disease.

scholarly journals Antifibrillarin autoantibodies present in systemic sclerosis and other connective tissue diseases interact with similar epitopes.

1995 ◽  
Vol 181 (3) ◽  
pp. 1027-1036 ◽  
Author(s):  
K N Kasturi ◽  
A Hatakeyama ◽  
H Spiera ◽  
C A Bona
Keyword(s):  
Systemic Sclerosis ◽  
Connective Tissue ◽  
Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Competitive Inhibition ◽  
Molecular Mimicry ◽  
Connective Tissue Diseases ◽  
Nuclear Antigen ◽  
Barr Virus ◽  
Recombinant Fusion Proteins ◽  
Epstein Barr

Autoantibodies specific against fibrillarin, a 34-kD nucleolar protein associated with U3-snRNP, are present in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). To understand the mechanisms involved in the induction of these autoantibodies, we prepared a series of human fibrillarin recombinant proteins covering the entire molecule and analyzed their interaction with the autoantibodies present in various connective tissue diseases. Our results showed that antifibrillarin autoantibodies are present not only in SSc, as previously reported, but also in a variety of other connective tissue diseases. Patients with SSc (58%), mixed connective tissue diseases (60%), CREST syndrome (calcinosis, Raynaud phenomenon, esophageal dismotility, sclerodactyly, and telangiectasia syndrome) (58%), systemic lupus erythematosus (39%), rheumatoid arthritis (60%), and Sjogern's syndrome (84%) showed presence of antifibrillarin autoantibodies. Results obtained from competitive inhibition radioimmunoassay and Western blot analyses with purified recombinant fusion proteins revealed that these autoantibodies react primarily with epitope(s) present in the NH2- (AA 1-80) and COOH-terminal (AA 276-321) domains of fibrillarin. Autoantibodies reacting with internal regions of fibrillarin are less frequent. Analysis of the hydrophilicity profiles of reactive peptides showed presence of three potential antigenic sites in the NH2- and two in the COOH-terminal regions. While a hexapeptide sequence NH2 terminus of fibrillarin is shared with an Epstein-Barr virus-encoded nuclear antigen, the COOH-terminal region shares sequence homology with P40, the capsid protein encoded by herpes virus type 1. Interestingly, these two regions of fibrillarin also contain the most immunodominant sequences, as predicted by surface probability and the Jameson and Wolf antigenic index. These observations suggest that molecular mimicry might play an important role in the induction of antifibrillarin autoantibodies.

Ulnar artery vasculopathy: a common but nonspecific feature of systemic sclerosis

2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 221-224
Author(s):  
Tae-Jong Kim ◽  
Soon-Young Song ◽  
Hee Chang Ahn ◽  
Yoon-Kyoung Sung ◽  
Sang-Cheol Bae ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systemic Sclerosis ◽  
Connective Tissue ◽  
Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Connective Tissue Diseases ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Ulnar Artery ◽  
Common Finding ◽  
Clinical Factors ◽  
Vessel Disease ◽  
Large Vessel Disease

Introduction Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is characterized by microvascular abnormalities and fibrosis. Several studies have reported that large vessel disease is also common in SSc. The aim of this case series was to investigate whether ulnar artery involvement in patients with SSc is a disease-specific phenomenon, as compared to other connective tissue diseases (CTD). Methods A total of 28 patients, including 7 with SSc and 12 with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), underwent brachial arteriography due to severe Raynaud's phenomenon and/or digital ulcerations and were enrolled in the study. They were divided into two groups: an SSc/SSc-overlap group and a non-SSc group. The collection of the clinical parameters was conducted to investigate the associations between clinical factors and the ulnar artery vasculopathy. Results The SSc/SSc-overlap group (n = 10) consisted of 7 patients with SSc and 3 with features overlapping SSc. In the non-SSc group (n = 18), 12 cases of SLE, 2 of mixed connective tissue disease, 1 of dermatomyositis + SLE, 1 of rheumatoid arthritis, 1 of Sjogren's syndrome, and 1 case of skin vasculitis, were included. The relative frequencies of ulnar artery involvement were not significantly different between the SSc/SSc-overlap and non-SSc groups, respectively (n = 6, 60% vs. n = 9, 50%, p = 0.611). Conclusions Although ulnar artery involvement was frequently detected in patients with SSc/SSc-overlap, it was also a common finding in other CTDs; therefore, it is not specific to SSc or SSc-overlap diseases.

scholarly journals Nailfold Capillaroscopy in Rheumatic Diseases

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abhishek Patil ◽  
Isha Sood
Keyword(s):  
Systemic Sclerosis ◽  
Connective Tissue ◽  
Early Diagnosis ◽  
Rheumatic Diseases ◽  
Connective Tissue Diseases ◽  
Nailfold Capillaroscopy ◽  
Indispensable Tool

Nailfold capillaroscopy (NFC) has developed into an indispensable tool for rheumatologists in the evaluation of rheumatic diseases. It offers various advantages in being rapid, noninvasive, and inexpensive. With NFC we are able to visualize the microcirculatory changes in the nail beds. These changes are key to the pathogenesis of connective tissue diseases such as systemic sclerosis. Hence NFC helps in early diagnosis of various connective tissue diseases. There is a lack of standardization in the techniques used and various capillary parameters studied, which could lead to variation in the reporting of the parameters studied. In this chapter we shall try to highlight the most common parameters studied in capillaroscopy and its utility in various connective tissue diseases.

scholarly journals A study of respiratory system involvement in autoimmune connective tissue diseases: a marker of morbidity

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 532
Author(s):  
Neha T. Solanki ◽  
Sahana P. Raju ◽  
Deepmala Budhrani ◽  
Bharti K. Patel
Keyword(s):  
Systemic Sclerosis ◽  
Interstitial Lung Disease ◽  
Connective Tissue ◽  
Pulmonary Function ◽  
Lung Disease ◽  
Pulmonary Function Tests ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Connective Tissue Diseases ◽  
Cutaneous Manifestations ◽  
Respiratory Involvement

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> The auto-immune connective tissue diseases (AICTD) are polygenic clinical disorders having heterogeneous overlapping clinical features. Certain features like autoimmunity, vascular abnormalities, arthritis/arthralgia and cutaneous manifestations are common to them. Lung involvement can present in AICTDs in form of: pleurisy, acute/ chronic pneumonitis, pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH), shrinking lung syndrome, diffuse alveolar damage, pulmonary embolism (PE), bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia, pulmonary infections, cardiogenic pulmonary edema, etc. High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) plays an important role in identifying patients with respiratory involvement. Pulmonary function tests are a sensitive tool detecting interstitial lung disease.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> The present study is an observational study carried out on 170 patients of AICTD in department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy at a tertiary care centre during a period of 2 years from October 2017 to August 2019. Detailed history, examination and relevant investigations like chest X-ray, pulmonary function test (PFT), HRCT thorax were done as indicated.<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> The overall incidence of respiratory involvement was 56.7% with maximum involvement in systemic sclerosis cases (82.8% of cases). 45.7% of patients of systemic lupus erythematosus had respiratory involvement, most common being pleural effusion in 11.5%. Impaired PFT’s were seen in 82.8% cases of systemic sclerosis (SSc)  and all cases of UCTD. Interstitial lung disease was seen in 34.7% and 25% cases of SSc and DM respectively. PAH was found in 15.2% cases of SSc and 9.8% cases of mixed connective tissue diseases.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> AICTD are multisystem disorders in which pulmonary involvement can be an important cause of morbidity to the patient and early detection is necessary for prevention of long-term respiratory complications.</p>

scholarly journals Why is a paediatric respiratory specialist integral to the paediatric rheumatology clinic?

Breathe ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 200212
Author(s):  
Manisha Ramphul ◽  
Kathy Gallagher ◽  
Kishore Warrier ◽  
Sumit Jagani ◽  
Jayesh Mahendra Bhatt
Keyword(s):  
Connective Tissue ◽  
Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Connective Tissue Diseases ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Pulmonary Complications ◽  
High Morbidity ◽  
Rheumatology Clinic ◽  
Juvenile Systemic Sclerosis ◽  
Monitoring Treatment ◽  
Team Setting

Systemic connective tissue diseases (CTDs) are characterised by the presence of autoantibodies and multiorgan involvement. Although CTDs are rare in children, they are associated with pulmonary complications, which have a high morbidity and mortality rate. The exact pathophysiology remains unclear. The pleuropulmonary complications in CTD are diverse in their manifestations and are often complex to diagnose and manage.The most common CTDs are discussed. These include juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus, juvenile dermatomyositis, juvenile systemic sclerosis, Sjögren's syndrome and mixed connective tissue disease. We describe the clinical features of the pleuropulmonary complications, focusing on their screening, diagnosis and monitoring. Treatment strategies are also discussed, highlighting the factors and interventions that influence the outcome of lung disease in CTD and pulmonary complications of treatment.Early detection and prompt treatment in a multidisciplinary team setting, including respiratory and rheumatology paediatricians and radiologists, is paramount in achieving the best possible outcomes for these patients.

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