scholarly journals The role of PET in a clinically silent and ultrasound negative synovitis in the course of rheumatoid arthritis - a case report

Reumatismo ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 73 (1) ◽  
pp. 64-66
Author(s):  
M. Skoczynska ◽  
F. Figus ◽  
V. Arena ◽  
G. Massazza ◽  
A. Iagnocco

We present a case report of a rheumatoid arthritis patient, who underwent a PET scan, which revealed inflammation of multiple joints, which was missed by both physical and ultrasound examinations. A 55-year old woman with a long-term rheumatoid arthritis, who had undergone arthroplasty of the left knee in the past, consulted with the rheumatologist for pain in the left knee. The physical examination revealed signs of inflammation in the left knee and right elbow. The inflammatory parameters were high. Ultrasound showed intraarticular effusion without signs of active synovitis in the left knee. The ultrasound assessment of the other joints (hands, wrists and feet) was also negative for active synovitis, while positron-emission tomography (PET) revealed increased glucose metabolism at the level of the medial side of the left knee, left radio-ulno-carpal joint, I-II-III metacarpo-phalangeal joints bilaterally, right II metatarso-phalangeal joint, and left II-III metatarso-phalangeal joints. This case report demonstrates that PET might be more sensitive than ultrasound in detecting subclinical joint inflammation.

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-29
Author(s):  
Javaria Fatima ◽  
Bushra Shaheen ◽  
Saba Batool ◽  
Tooba Malik ◽  
Sheikh Maria Qammar ◽  
...  

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune debilitating disease involving multiple joints and organs. Many treatment options are available but all are associated with frequent side effects. Phytochemical screening of Torilis leptophylla has shown the presence of anti-inflammatory compounds like flavonoids, phenols and anthraquinones. This study was designed to evaluate its effect on joints inflammation (rheumatoid arthritis). Indomethacin is one of the oldest and most commonly used drugs for arthritis. It was used as a standard drug to compare with indomethacin. Methods: This experimental study was carried out in Pharmacology Department, University of Health Sciences, Lahore. Thirty six male albino Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups (group I-control, group II-positive control, group III-10 mg indomethacin, group IV,V,VI--100mg, 200mg, 300mg Torilis leptophylla extract (TLE) administered (orally) respectively). Arthritis was induced by sub plantar injection of 0.1 ml Freund’s complete adjuvant (FCA) to all groups except the control group. Body weight (weekly) and ankle joint diameter (every 4th day) were measured. At day 29 blood was collected and all animals were killed by overdose of ether. Acid phosphatase and alkaline phosphatase levels were determined by chemistry analyzer (RX MONZA, RANDOX, Republic of Ireland). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 20. One way ANOVA and Post hoc -Tukey tests were applied. A p-value of ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Treatment with indomethacin caused significant (p≤0.001) reduction in all the inflammatory parameters. Torilis leptophylla extract also significantly (p≤0.05) reduced all the inflammatory parameters. Anti-inflammatory effect was comparable to indomethacin. Conclusion: Torilis leptophylla has significant anti-arthritic activity as it modified the parameters of joint inflammation and destruction.


2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 541-544
Author(s):  
Justin Slavin ◽  
Marcello DiStasio ◽  
Paul F. Dellaripa ◽  
Michael Groff

The authors present a case report of a patient discovered to have a rotatory subluxation of the C1–2 joint and a large retroodontoid pannus with an enhancing lesion in the odontoid process eventually proving to be caused by gout. This patient represented a diagnostic conundrum as she had known prior diagnoses of not only gout but also sarcoidosis and possible rheumatoid arthritis, and was in the demographic range where concern for an oncological process cannot fully be ruled out. Because she presented with signs and symptoms of atlantoaxial instability, she required posterior stabilization to reduce the rotatory subluxation and to stabilize the C1–2 instability. However, despite the presence of a large retroodontoid pannus, she had no evidence of spinal cord compression on physical examination or imaging and did not require an anterior procedure to decompress the pannus. To confirm the diagnosis but avoid additional procedures and morbidity, the authors proceeded with the fusion as well as a posterior biopsy to the retroodontoid pannus and confirmed a diagnosis of gout.


Author(s):  
T.S. Golubtsova ◽  
A.B. Peskov ◽  
S.V. Peskova ◽  
M.P. Markevich ◽  
V.V. Gnoevykh ◽  
...  

Anemia occurs in approximately 30–70 % of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The most common cause of low hemoglobin level is chronic inflammation. Hyperbaric oxygenation (HBO) reduces the chronic inflammatory process, hypoxia severity and stimulates erythropoiesis. Therefore, HBO can be considered as one of the promising methods for treating anemia of chronic inflammation. The primary objective of the study is to carry out the efficacy analysis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) complex therapy using hyperbaric oxygenation (HBO) for comparison results in patients with anemia and with a normal hemoglobin level. Materials and Methods. To assess the advisability of HBO in patients with RA and concomitant anemia, we analyzed indicators of RA activity and local joint inflammation in 120 patients. 30 patients were treated according to the standard scheme, 30 patients underwent one and 60 patients – five additional HBO sessions (1.3 atm during 40 min). Patients who underwent HBO were divided into two subgroups with normal and low hemoglobin levels. Results. On the 14th day of inpatient hospitalization, we fixed decrease in RA activity indices in all groups. The decrease in the activity of RA and local joint inflammation in patients who underwent HBO was faster than in patients who were treated according to the standard scheme, and in patients who underwent only one HBO session. Better results were observed in patients with concomitant anemia compared with patients with normal hemoglobin level. It was confirmed by a significant decrease in acute-phase blood values (ESR and CRP) and RA activity indices (assessment of disease activity (by a doctor and by a patient), CDIA, SDIA and DAS28). Conclusion. Additional HBO in complex RA therapy contributes to the efficacy of inpatient treatment. The most pronounced effect is observed in patients with both RA and anemia. Keywords: hyperbaric oxygenation, rheumatoid arthritis, anemia. Анемия встречается у 30–70 % больных, страдающих ревматоидным артритом (РА). Наиболее частой причиной снижения уровня гемоглобина крови является хроническое воспаление. Гипербарическая оксигенация (ГБО) способствует уменьшению активности хронического воспалительного процесса, выраженности гипоксии и стимулирует эритропоэз, следовательно, применение ГБО можно рассматривать как один из перспективных методов лечения анемии хронического воспаления. Цель работы – провести сравнительный анализ эффективности комплексной терапии пациентов, страдающих ревматоидным артритом, с включением курса гипербарической оксигенации на фоне анемии и при нормальном значении уровня гемоглобина крови. Материалы и методы. Для оценки целесообразности проведения курса ГБО у больных, страдающих РА с сопутствующей анемией, проведен динамический анализ показателей активности РА и локального воспаления в суставе у 120 пациентов (30 пациентов получили лечение по стандартной схеме, 30 больных дополнительно прошли 1 сеанс ГБО и 60 пациентов прошли 5 сеансов ГБО при 1,3 атм в течение 40 мин). Пациенты, прошедшие курс ГБО, были разделены на две подгруппы: с нормальным и сниженным уровнем гемоглобина. Результаты. На 14-й день госпитализации у всех пациентов отмечали регресс клинических проявлений артрита. Снижение показателей активности РА и локального воспаления в суставе у пациентов, прошедших курс ГБО, происходило быстрее, чем у больных, получивших лечение по стандартной схеме, и пациентов, прошедших один сеанс ГБО. Более высокие результаты лечения получены у больных с сопутствующей анемией по сравнению с пациентами с нормальными значениями гемоглобина, что подтверждено значимым снижением острофазовых показателей крови (СОЭ и СРБ) и индексов активности РА (ООАВ, ООАБ, CDIA, SDIA и DAS28). Выводы. Включение курса ГБО в стандартную схему терапии РА повышает эффективность стационарного лечения. Наиболее выраженный эффект наблюдается у больных с РА и анемией. Ключевые слова: гипербарическая оксигенация, ревматоидный артрит, анемия.


2020 ◽  
Vol 16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dalia S. Saif ◽  
Nagwa N. Hegazy ◽  
Enas S. Zahran

Background: Among rheumatoid arthritis patients (RA), general disease activity is well regulated by diseasemodifying anti-rheumatic medications (DMARDS), but sometimes local inflammation still persists among a few joints. Adjuvant modern molecular interventions as Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) with a suggested down regulating effect on inflammatory mediators has a proven effect in management of RA. We aim to evaluate the therapeutic effect of intra-articular PRP versus steroid in RA patients and their impact on inflammatory cytokines IL1B , TNF α, local joint inflammation, disease activity and quality of life (QL). Methods: Open labeled parallel randomized control clinical trial was carried out on 60 RA patients randomly divided into 2 groups, Group 1: included 30 patients received 3 intra-articular injections of PRP at monthly interval, Group 2: included 30 patients received single intra-articular injection of steroid. They were subjected to clinical, laboratory, serum IL1B and TNF α assessment at baseline and at 3, 6 months post injection. Results: Patients of both groups showed improvements in their scores of evaluating tools at 3months post injection and this improvement was persistent in the PRP group up to 6 months post injection while it was continued only for 3 months in the steroid group. Conclusions: PRP is a safe, effective and useful therapy in treating RA patients who had insufficient response and persistent pain and inflammation in just one or two joints through its down regulating effect on inflammatory cytokines IL1B, TNF α with subsequent improvement of local joint inflammation, disease activity and QL.


Author(s):  
V. Balendu Krishnan ◽  
Prashanth A. S.

Gouty Arthritis has now become a common disease condition which we deal in Ayurveda, but a proper treatment protocol is not followed in many cases. The case reported here was as a result of improper diet and lack of exercise which resulted in an increase serum uric acid level and joint inflammation. The treatment was given at IPD level diagnosing it as Gambhira Vatarakta with valid Chikitsa Siddhanta. This case report provides us a guidelines that even a chronic gouty arthritis with a very high serum uric acid can be treated as per Vataraktha Chikitsa Siddhanta in Ayurveda.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. 2050313X2097956
Author(s):  
Dorsa Zabihi-pour ◽  
Bahar Bahrani ◽  
Dalal Assaad ◽  
Jensen Yeung

Background: Palisaded neutrophilic granulomatous dermatitis is a rare inflammatory dermatosis with possible underlying systemic conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune connective tissue disease, and malignancies. Case Summary: We report a case of an 84-year-old man presenting with a 3-week eruption of asymptomatic annular plaques on his neck, which progressed to involve his back and legs. Skin biopsies confirmed a diagnosis of palisaded neutrophilic granulomatous dermatitis, and he was treated with prednisone. Full workup related to potential underlying causes of palisaded neutrophilic granulomatous dermatitis was completed. Conclusion: Palisaded neutrophilic granulomatous dermatitis may precede the onset of underlying systemic conditions or occur concomitantly. Following the diagnosis, clinicians should perform a comprehensive focused history, physical examination, and laboratory investigation related to the associated underlying diseases.


2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 200.2-200
Author(s):  
A. Krishnamurthy ◽  
Y. Kisten ◽  
A. Circiumaru ◽  
K. Sakurabas ◽  
P. Jarvolli ◽  
...  

Background:In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs) are associated with bone loss and pain. Recently, tenosynovitis has been suggested as a predicting factor for arthritis progression in individuals at-risk for RA.Objectives:We aimed to investigate if transfer of human ACPAs into mice could induce tenosynovitis and/or subclinical inflammation.Methods:Monoclonal ACPA (1325:04C03 and 1325:01B09) and control (1362:01E02) antibodies (mAbs) were generated from synovial plasma or memory B cells of RA patients. 2mg of combination of monoclonal ACPAs or control antibody were injected in BALB/c female mice (age 12-16 weeks) (n= 9). Pain-like behavior was monitored by measuring mechanical hypersensitivity using von Frey filaments every 3 days and estimation by up-down Dixon method. Bone morphometrics was analyzed by micro-CT. Using specially designed mobilization casts, dedicated mouse MRI coils, and gadolinium enhanced contrast medium, the hind limbs of these mice were scanned in a 9.4 T scanner and resulting T1-weighted images were evaluated for signs of soft tissue joint inflammation. The MRI images were scored for the presence of joint involvement and tendon inflammatory changes by 3 readers in a blinded manner.Figure 1.NAPA performed on healthy donor mo-DCs incubated with native, PAD2-citrullinated, and PAD4-citrullinated fibrinogen. Alpha, beta, and gamma chains of fibrinogen are shown separately. Each colored line represents a unique peptide. Nested peptides with a common core motif are shown in the same color. Grey bar denotes peptides with identical core motif between samples.Results:ACPAs (1325:04C03 and 1325:01B09) induced pain-like behavior (lasting for at least 4 weeks) and reduction of the trabecular and cortical bone thickness in the hind limbs as compared to control monoclonal antibodies (p<0.05). While no macroscopic or MRI signs of synovial inflammation were detected, MRI subclinical inflammation of the tendon sheaths was present in mice injected with ACPAs, but not in those injected with control mAb. Semi-quantitative scoring of the inflammatory tendon changes showed significant higher values in mice injected with ACPA (median of 1, range 0 to 2) than those injected with control mAb (median of 0, range 0 to 1).Conclusion:We show that ACPA induces pain-like behavior, bone loss and tendon sheath inflammation in mice, a model that mimics the preclinical state of ACPA positive RA.References:[1]Harre, U. et al. J Clin Invest (2012)[2]Krishnamurthy, A. et al. Ann Rheum Dis (2016, 2019), JI 2019[3]Wigerblad, G. et al. Ann Rheum Dis (2016, 2019)[4]KleyerA, Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism (2016)Disclosure of Interests:Akilan Krishnamurthy: None declared, Yogan Kisten: None declared, Alexandra Circiumaru: None declared, Koji Sakurabas: None declared, Patrik Jarvolli: None declared, Juan Jimenez Jimenez Andrade: None declared, Peter Damberg: None declared, Heidi Wähämaa: None declared, Vivianne Malmström Grant/research support from: VM has had research grants from Janssen Pharmaceutica, Lars Klareskog: None declared, Camilla Svensson: None declared, Bence Réthi: None declared, Anca Catrina: None declared


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