Current Rheumatology Reviews - Volume 20, Issue 2, 2024

Among instrumental techniques, nailfold capillaroscopy plays a leading role in the assessment of Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) patients because it is the only method that provides opportunities for morphological assessment of capillaroscopic findings in the nailfold area, with proven diagnostic and prognostic significance in rheumatology. The discussion about updating the classification of RP in rheumatology is interesting given t Read More

Acroparesthesia is a symptom characterized by a subjective sensation, such as numbness, tingling, prickling, and reduced sensation, affecting the extremities (fingers and toes). Despite its frequency, data regarding its diagnostic approach and management are scarce. The etiological diagnosis of acroparesthesia is sometimes challenging since it can be due to abnormality anywhere along the sensory pathway from the peripher Read More

Autoimmune diseases can express pathologies in specific organs (e.g. thyroid, pancreas, skin) or generate systemic pathologies (generalized lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic sclerosis), the latter usually present systemic inflammatory phenomena. Some studies have reported alterations in right ventricular contractility in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, and ju Read More

Knee Osteoarthritis (KOA) is a degenerative joint ailment characterized by cartilage loss, which can be seen using imaging modalities and converted into imaging features. The older population is the most affected by knee OA, which affects 16% of people worldwide who are 15 years of age and older. Due to cartilage tissue degradation, primary knee OA develops in older people. In contrast, joint overuse or trauma in younger pe Read More

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory rheumatic disease that predominantly affects young males. AS is a condition in which the spine and sacroiliac joints become inflamed. More specifically, most AS patients experience spine malformations over time, resulting in functional incapability. The etiopathogenesis of AS is a complex combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors. Extensive studies Read More

Objective: This study aimed to investigate spinal involvement in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) patients using clinical and radiographic methods. Methods: A cross-sectional clinical study was conducted on 50 PsA patients diagnosed according to the CASPAR criteria. Clinical examinations and functional assessments were performed. A radiographic assessment of the spine was performed. Results: Out of 50 PsA patients (mean age of 45. Read More

Background: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is currently treated by regenerative therapies that aim to inhibit arthritic degeneration. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is one of the physical regenerative approaches used for KOA management. However, little is known regarding the impact of shock wave treatment on matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3), which is one of the enzymes mediating cartilage degradation. Read More

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an autoimmune joint inflammatory disease, presents a significant challenge due to its prevalence, particularly among women, affecting around 6% of individuals over the age of 65. Novel insights into disease mechanisms are crucial for improved diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Objective: Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as potential contributors to the path Read More

Background: In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), insulin resistance (IR) is related to inflammatory markers, disease activity, and progression of atherosclerotic changes. Triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index is a relatively new indicator of IR. Aims: The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between TyG index, disease activity and subclinical atherosclerosis (SCA) in RA patients. Methods: The present case-control s Read More

Background: Behçet's disease (BD) has a growing prevalence in Silk Road countries. The aim of our cross-sectional study was to explore the clinical and molecular predictors of quality of life in BD patients. Materials and Methods: One hundred and fifty consecutive Iranian BD patients with an age range between 20-50 years were included. The Leeds Behçet's disease quality of life (BDQoL) in Persian form was fulfilled to evaluate th Read More

Background: Transverse myelitis is considered one of the cardinal features of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), an immune-mediated inflammatory condition of the CNS characterized by severe, immune-mediated demyelination and axonal damage predominantly targeting optic nerves and spinal cord. We describe a case in which a diagnosis of NMOSD was established, associated with West Nile Vir Read More

Background: Malignancy-associated vasculitis usually presents in the form of polyarteritis nodosa or leukocytoclastic vasculitis. However, ANCA vasculitis associated with malignancy is rare. Here, we present a case of MPO+ ANCA vasculitis with pauci-immune GN associated with invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast. Case Presentation: A 66-year-old female with a history of rheumatoid arthritis, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, a Read More

Background: Adult-onset Still’s disease (AOSD) is a challenging diagnosis because of the variability in clinical presentation and lack of gold-standard diagnostic investigations. Even after diagnosis, the treatment is challenging, especially when the disease is refractory to first-line therapy. Multiple pharmacotherapeutic options exist for refractory AOSD, but treatment failures still occur. Etanercept, a Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alp Read More