The 2017 EULAR standardised procedures for ultrasound imaging in rheumatology.

BACKGROUND: In 2001, the European League Against Rheumatism developed and disseminated the first guidelines for musculoskeletal (MS) ultrasound (US) in rheumatology. Fifteen years later, the dramatic expansion of new data on MSUS in the literature coupled with technological developments in US imaging has necessitated an update of these guidelines. OBJECTIVES: To update the existing MSUS guidelines in rheumatology as well as to extend their scope to other anatomic structures relevant for rheumatology. METHODS: The project consisted of the following steps: (1) a systematic literature review of MSUS evaluable structures; (2) a Delphi survey among rheumatologist and radiologist experts in MSUS to select MS and non-MS anatomic structures evaluable by US that are relevant to rheumatology, to select abnormalities evaluable by US and to prioritise these pathologies for rheumatology and (3) a nominal group technique to achieve consensus on the US scanning procedures and to produce an electronic illustrated manual (ie, App of these procedures). RESULTS: Structures from nine MS and non-MS areas (ie, shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand, hip, knee, ankle and foot, peripheral nerves, salivary glands and vessels) were selected for MSUS in rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMD) and their detailed scanning procedures (ie, patient position, probe placement, scanning method and bony/other landmarks) were used to produce the App. In addition, US evaluable abnormalities present in RMD for each anatomic structure and their relevance for rheumatology were agreed on by the MSUS experts. CONCLUSIONS: This task force has produced a consensus-based comprehensive and practical framework on standardised procedures for MSUS imaging in rheumatology.

Inter- and intra-observer agreement of high-resolution ultrasonography and power Doppler in assessment of joint inflammation and bone erosions in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

To assess the inter- and intra-observer reproducibility of musculoskeletal ultrasonography among rheumatologist in detecting inflammatory and morphostructural changes in small joints of the hands in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Five members of the "Escuela de Ecografía del Colegio Mexicano de Reumatología" tested their inter- and intra-observer reliabilities in the assessment of basic sonographic findings of joint inflammation and bone erosion. Their results were compared to those obtained by a group of international experts from European League Against Rheumatism. A clinical rheumatologist evaluated eight RA patients. Five Siemens Acuson Antares ultrasound machines (7-13 MHz linear probes) were used. The OMERACT preliminary definitions of joint effusion, synovial hypertrophy, bone erosions and tenosynovitis were adopted. Inter-observer and intra-observer agreement was calculated by overall agreement and kappa statistics. Mean kappa value for joint effusion was good, 0.654 (85%); synovial hypertrophy, 0.550 (77.2%); power Doppler signal, 0.550 (82.5%); bone erosions, 0.549 (81%); and tenosynovitis, 0.500 (91.5%). Mean and overall intra-observer agreement for semiquantitative score was good for joint effusion, 0.630 (77.2%) and bone erosions, 0.605 (56.25%); and moderate to synovial hypertrophy, 0.476 (65%) and power Doppler signal, 0.471 (80%). Mean kappa value for joint effusion was 0.381 (95%), synovial hypertrophy, 0.447 (72%); power Doppler signal, 0.496 (81%); bone erosions, 0.294 (81%); and tenosynovitis, 0.030 (66%). Mean and overall inter-observer agreement for semiquantitative score was poor for joint effusion, 0.325 (57%) and bone erosions, 0.360 (43%); and moderate to synovial hypertrophy, 0.431 (55%) and power Doppler signal, 0.496 (81%). Intra-observer variability reached the highest levels of agreement. Factors related to the experience of the rheumatologist, the time spent in each examination and knowledge of the software ultrasound equipment could influence the lower level of inter-observer agreement in this study.

Muehrcke lines associated to active rheumatoid arthritis.

Careful examination of the fingernails and toenails can help to detect underlying systemic diseases. Physicians should look for shape, growth, or color changes in the nails; the transverse nail discolorations include different diagnostic possibilities such as Muehrcke lines and Mees lines. Leukonychia striata or Muehrcke lines are transverse nail bands of discoloration that are unspecific, and there are around 70 different causes that include cancer treatment and less commonly rheumatic diseases. In this case, we report the unusual presentation of Muehrcke lines associated with active rheumatoid arthritis.

Pan-American League of Associations for Rheumatology (PANLAR) recommendations and guidelines for musculoskeletal ultrasound training in the Americas for rheumatologists.

OBJECTIVE: To develop guidelines for Musculoskeletal Ultrasound (MSKUS) training for rheumatologists in the Americas. METHODS: A total of 25 Rheumatologists from 19 countries of the American Continent participated in a consensus-based interactive process (Delphi method) using 2 consecutive electronic questionnaires. The first questionnaire included the following: the relevance of organizing courses to teach MSKUS to Rheumatologists, the determination of the most effective educational course models, the trainee levels, the educational objectives, the requirements for passing the course(s), the course venues, the number of course participants per instructor, and the percentage of time spent in hands-on sessions. The second questionnaire consisted of questions that did not achieve consensus (>65%) in the first questionnaire, topics, and pathologies to be covered at each course MSKUS level. RESULTS: General consensus was obtained for MSKUS courses to be divided into 3 educational levels: basic, intermediate, and advanced. These courses should be taught using a theoretical-didactic and hands-on model. In addition, the group established the minimum requirements for attending and passing each MSKUS course level, the ideal number of course participants per instructor (4 participants/instructor), and the specific topics and musculoskeletal pathologies to be covered. In the same manner, the group concluded that 60% to 70% of course time should be focused on hands-on sessions. CONCLUSION: A multinational group of MSKUS sonographers using a consensus-based questionnaire (Delphi method) established the first recommendations and guidelines for MSKUS course training in the Americas. Pan-American League of Associations for Rheumatology urges that these guidelines and recommendations be adopted in the future by both national and regional institutions in the American continent involved in the training of Rheumatologists for the performance of MSKUS.

Dermatomyositis-erythrodermia: clinical presentation not associated to malignancy. A case report.

The association of erythroderma and dermatomyositis is rare. In 6 reported cases found by searching Pubmed, half of them were associated with digestive tract neoplasms (stomach and liver). We report the case of a 69 years-old woman with bilateral proximal weakness, joint pain, photosensitivity, facial and heliotrope erythema lasting 18 months. One month prior to hospital admission she showed progressive dysphagia and a universal erythema and scaling that affected mucosa, palms and soles with an accompanying weight loss of 10 kg in 6 months. No malignancy was identified at any level despite an exhaustive search.

Methylprednisolone versus triamcinolone in painful shoulder using ultrasound-guided injection.

There is little evidence about the comparative efficacy of corticosteroids in the treatment of painful shoulder. The main aim was to compare the efficacy of methylprednisolone (MTP) versus triamcinolone (TMC) in the treatment of painful shoulder using an ultrasound-guided injection. Patients with painful shoulder due to subacromial bursitis and partial or full-thickness rotator cuff tears demonstrated by musculoskeletal ultrasound received a guided-injection of MTP acetate 40 mg (12 patients) or TMC acetonide 40 mg (12 patients). Range of motion and pain visual analogue scale were registered at 10 and 30 min, 1 and 2 weeks postinjection. Two weeks postinjection, both groups reported a mean improvement in range of motion (33%) and relief of pain (61%). Relief of pain of 50% or more was observed in 92% of patients in MTP group and 50% of TMC group (p = 0.02). Two months postinjection, 50% of the patients in MTP group and 25% in TMC group reported total relief of pain (p = 0.3). Patients with painful shoulder receiving an ultrasound-guided injection of MTP or TMC have a rapid and sustained overall response. Relief of pain tends to be more rapid with MTP than TMC.

Hallazgos ecográficos de la articulación coxofemoral y su correlación con la actividad de la enfermedad y hallazgos clínicos en artritis reumatoide / Sonographic findings of the joint coxofemoral and correlation with disease activity and clinical findings in rheumatoid arthritis

To describe the sonographic findings of the hip joint in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and to assess their correlation with signs and symptoms of disease activity (pain, range of motion, overall disease activity). Methods: We performed an observational, cross-sectional and analytical study. Patients aged 18 60 years of age diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis were included. We did not include patients with hip prostheses or hip infiltration in the previous 3 months. We performed an ultrasound examination (7-12 MHz linear transducer) of both hips and recorded demographic, clinical, ultrasonographic and goniometric findings (flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, internal and external rotation). Results: We evaluated 102 hips of 51 patients (37 women) aged 43.5 +/- 9.4 years, body mass index (BMI): 26.4 +/- 5.18, disease duration: 117 +/- 107 months, DAS28: 4.08 +/- 1.58, hip pain history: 20 (39.2 percent), concurrent hip pain 3 (5.8 percent), use of DMARDs: 47 (92.1 percent), biological therapy 8 (15.68 percent), comorbidity: 25 (50.1 percent), positive rheumatoid factor: 43 (84.3 percent) and evocation of pain: 28 (54.9 percent). Ultrasound findings: Osteophytes: 52 (50.9 percent), cartilage injury: 47 (46.0 percent), trochanteric enthesopathy: 33 (32.3 percent), effusion: 14 (13.7 percent), erosions: 6 (5.8 percent), synovial hypertrophy: 5 (4.9 percent) and iliopsoas bursitis 2 (1.9 percent). There was no correlation of ultrasound with DAS28 or laboratory parameters. Evoking pain correlated with the presence of effusion (p = 0.038). Conclusions: The major ultrasound abnormalities were osteophytes, articular cartilage injury and trochanteric enthesopathy. According to our findings is advisable to include hip in the clinical assessment and initial and subsequent ultrasound evaluation of patients with rheumatoid arthritis...

Describir los hallazgos ecográficos de la articulación coxofemoral en pacientes con artritis reumatoide y evaluar su correlación con los signos y síntomas de actividad de la enfermedad (dolor, rango de movimiento, actividad global de la enfermedad). Material y métodos: Es un estudio observacional, transversal y analítico. Se incluyeron pacientes de 18 a 60 años de edad con diagnóstico de artritis reumatoide. No se incluyeron pacientes con prótesis de cadera o infiltración de la cadera en los tres meses previos. Se realizó ecografía (transductor lineal 7-12 MHz) de ambas caderas y se registraron datos demográficos, clínicos, ecográficos y goniométricos (flexión, extensión, abducción, aducción, rotación interna y externa). Resultados: Se evaluaron 102 caderas de 51 pacientes (37 mujeres) con edad de 43,5 +/- 9,4 años, índice de masa corporal (IMC): 26,4 +/- 5,18, evolución de la enfermedad: 117 +/- 107 meses, DAS28: 4,08 +/- 1,58, historia de dolor: 20 (39,2 por ciento), dolor concurrente: 3 (5,8 por ciento), uso de FARME: 47 (92,1 por ciento), terapia biológica: 8 (15,68 por ciento), comorbilidad: 25 (50,1 por ciento), factor reumatoide positivo: 43 (84,3 por ciento) y evocación de dolor: 28 (54,9 por ciento). Hallazgos ecográficos: Osteofitos: 52 (50,9 por ciento), lesión de cartílago: 47 (46,0 por ciento), entesopatía trocantérica: 33(32,3 por ciento), derrame: 14 (13,7 por ciento), erosiones: 6 (5,8 por ciento), hipertrofia sinovial: 5 (4,9 por ciento) y bursitis iliopsoas: 2 (1,9 por ciento). No se encontró correlación de la ecografía con el DAS28 ni con los parámetros de laboratorio. La evocación de dolor se correlacionó con la presencia de derrame (p = 0,038).Conclusiones: Las principales alteraciones ecográficas fueron osteofitos, lesión del cartílago articular y entesopatía trocantérica. De acuerdo a nuestros hallazgos, es recomendable incluir a la cadera en la valoración clínica y ecográfica inicial y subsecuente de los...

Intervencionismo guiado por ecografía en reumatología / Ultrasound-guided intervention in rheumatology

Las aspiraciones e infiltraciones son procedimientos muy comunes en reumatología. La eficacia de ambos procedimientos depende de la posición correcta de la aguja dentro o alrededor del blanco elegido. Las intervenciones a ciegas con alta frecuencia son fallidas. La ultrasonografía (US) ha demostrado ser más eficaz y más segura como guía de procedimientos porque evita la lesión de estructuras nerviosas, tendinosas, óseas, etc., al facilitar observar la aguja hasta llegar al blanco. Dirigir una aguja por US hace que el procedimiento sea inocuo, de menor costo que la fluoroscopia o tomografía, con la posibilidad de acudir hasta la cama del paciente con los equipos portátiles. La terapia para infiltraciones no se reduce a los esteroides: actualmente se administra proloterapia, plasma rico en plaquetas, entre otros, para lesiones tendinosas con resultados alentadores. Otra de las ventajas del intervencionismo guiado por US es la realización de biopsias para el diagnóstico certero. En este artículo se hace una revisión de la técnica de infiltración de las diferentes regiones articulares y las ventajas que ofrece la US.

The aspirations and injections are common procedures in rheumatology. The efficacy of both procedures depends on the position of the needle within or around the chosen target. Blind interventions with high frequency are unsuccessful. Ultrasonography (U.S.) has proved more effective and safer procedures as a guide because in prevents injury to neural structures, tendon, bone, etc., to facilitate observing the needle to reach the target. U.S. direct needle makes the procedure is safe, lower cost than fluoroscopy or CT, with the possibility of going to the bedside with portable equipment. Therapy for infiltration is not limited to steroids, is currently given prolotherapy, platelet rich plasma for tendon injuries and others with encouraging results. Another advantage of U.S. interventionism is guided biopsies for diagnosis. In this article we review the technique of infiltration from the different regions and joint benefits of the U.S.

[Diagnostic accuracy of physical examination of the knee in rheumatoid arthritis: clinical and ultrasonographic study of joint effusion and BakerÕs cyst]. / Agudeza diagnóstica del examen físico de rodilla en la artritis reumatoide: estudio clínico y sonogr‡fico del derrame articular y quiste de Baker.

INTRODUCTION: In patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), knee pain can be inflammatory, mechanical or extraarticular. The physical examination (PE) doesn't always detect the presence of knee joint effusion or Baker's cyst (BC) in the knees of these patients. OBJECTIVE: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of PE in the diagnosis of effusion and BC in patients with RA evaluated with musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS), using this technique as the gold standard for comparison. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Three different models of ultrasound machines with a 7.5 MHz linear probe were used (Toshiba Tosbee, Toshiba Capasee and Siemens Sonoline). A rheumatologist evaluated the presence or absence of knee joint effusion or BC in patients. We registered age, gender, time of evolution of RA, rheumatoid factor, treatment, functional class of RA (FCRA) and previous clinical diagnosis to the MSUS study. RESULTS: 40 patients (80 knees) with RA were evaluated. Eighty percent were women, mean age 61.3±15 years. Time since onset of RA was 9.5±11.3 years, rheumatoid factor was positive in 80%, FCRA I (3 patients), FCRA II (27), FCRA III (8), FCRA IV (2). Fifty five percent of the patients received methotrexate. Patients reffered pain in 26 knees (32.5%). Joint effusion was reported by the clinician in 35 knees (43.7%) and corroborated by MSUS in 31 knees (38.75%), BC was reported by the clinician in 12 knees (15%) and corroborated by MSUS in 6 knees (7.5%). The sensitivity of the PE for detection of joint effusion was 0.63 and specificity of 0.87, for the detection of BC was 0.43 and 0.91, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The PE showed acceptable diagnostic accuracy for the clinician. The complementary use of the MSUS can change the therapeutic and diagnostic approach in patients with RA.

La ultrasonografía en el estudio de síndrome de hombro doloroso / Musculoskeletal ultrasound in the evaluation of the painful shoulder

El síndrome de hombro doloroso es una causa frecuente de consulta en la práctica clínica diaria. Su origen puede ser traumático, inflamatorio, degenerativo, infeccioso o tumoral. El abordaje diagnóstico implica un amplio conocimiento de la anatomía regional y la aplicación de maniobras clínicas y técnicas de imagen que conduzcan a un diagnóstico certero para la aplicación de un tratamiento óptimo en cada paciente. En los años recientes, el ultrasonido musculoesquelético ha demostrado ser una herramienta complementaria de altísima utilidad en el examen complementario de los pacientes con hombro doloroso, especialmente en el contexto de la práctica reumatológica. Revisaremos los principales hallazgos patológicos evaluados por esta técnica.

Painful shoulder syndrome is a frequent cause of daily clinical consultation. Its origin can be traumatic, inflammatory, degenerative, infectious or tumor like. The boarding diagnosis implies an ample knowledge of the regional anatomy and the application of clinical and technical maneuvers of image that leads to an accurate diagnosis for the application of an optimal treatment in each patient. In the recent years, the musculoskeletal ultrasound has demonstrated to be a complementary tool of highest utility in the complementary examination of the patients with painful shoulder, especially in the context of the rheumatological practice. We will review the main pathological findings evaluated by this technique.

Osteomielitis de rótula y artritis séptica de rodilla por Pseudomonas aeruginosa / Pseudomonas aeruginosa-associated osteomyelitis of the patella and septic arthritis of the knee

Introducción. La osteomielitis de rótula es una infección poco frecuente que afecta principalmente a los niños. En la mayoría de los casos la causa es Staphylococcus aureus. El diagnóstico se sospecha si hay dolor e hinchazón perirrotuliano, celulitis, bursitis prerrotuliana (séptica o no), o artritis séptica que no responde al tratamiento estándar. Caso clínico. Paciente diabético tipo 1 de 14 años de edad con dolor e inflamación de la rodilla izquierda por una herida superficial con un objeto metálico punzante sin respuesta a antibióticos orales y antiinflamatorios. Se confirmó infección de articulación y de rótula por gammagrafía y ultrasonido músculo-esquelético, así como por estudio histológico del tejido sinovial obtenido por cirugía. El cultivo reveló Pseudomonas aeruginosa. El tratamiento con ceftazidima seguido de ciprofloxacina fue efectivo con resolución del proceso infeccioso. Conclusión. Se requiere de un alto nivel de sospecha y de un abordaje exhaustivo para el diagnóstico de osteomielitis de rótula, asociado o no a artritis séptica.

Introduction. Osteomyelitis of the patella is an infrequent infection that predominantly affects children. The most frequent microorganism is Staphylococcus aureus. Diagnosis should be considered in patients with pain and swelling around the patella, cellulitis, prepatellar bursitis (septic or not), and in patients with septic arthritis with no response to the standard treatment. Case report. We report the case of a 14-year-old male patient with type 1 diabetes mellitus with pain and swelling of the left knee after being injured with a sharp metallic object. No response was obtained with oral antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs. Surgery, gammagraphy, and musculoskeletal ultrasound, together with the histology, confirmed septic arthritis of the knee and osteomyelitis of the patella due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Treatment with ceftazidime and subsequent ciprofloxacin resulted in total remission of symptoms. Conclusion. A high level of suspicion and an exhaustive approach are required for definitive diagnosis of osteomyelitis of the patella, associated or not with septic arthritis.

Amiloidosis: revisión / Amyloidosis: review

La amiloidosis sistémica es una enfermedad infiltrante causada por el depósito extracelular de uno o varios péptidos derivados de proteínas séricas. La amiloidosis se clasifica entre las enfermedades del tejido conjuntivo. Es un padecimiento poco común cuya incidencia es de 1 en 75,000 (13 casos por millón de personas por año); además, su diagnóstico no es fácil por la sintomatología inespecífica con la que se presenta inicialmente. Se asocia con algunas enfermedades del tejido conjuntivo y se ha descrito diversos patrones de síndromes amiloideos dependiendo de la cantidad de amiloide que se deposite en los órganos afectados. Los depósitos de amiloide en el aparato musculoesquelético pueden causar sintomatología reumática como síndrome del túnel del carpo, artropatía amiloidea, tumefacciones amiloideas y artritis amiloidea relacionada con diálisis. El propósito de este artículo fue realizar una revisión de antecedentes históricos, patogenia, clasificación, síndromes amiloideos, pronóstico y tratamiento de la miloidosis