Frecuencia de eventos cardiovasculares en pacientes con lupus eritematoso sistémico / Frequency of cardiovascular events in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

Resumen Introducción: el progreso en los tratamientos para el lupus eritematoso sistémico (LES) resultó en una disminución de la mortalidad; sin embargo, la enfermedad cardiovascular y las complicaciones infecciosas aún son las principales causas de muerte. La evidencia apoya la participación del sistema inmunológico en la generación de la placa aterosclerótica, así como su conexión con las enfermedades autoinmunes. Objetivos: describir la frecuencia de eventos cardiovasculares (ECV) en el Registro de Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico de la Sociedad Argentina de Reumatología (RELESSAR) transversal, así como sus principales factores de riesgo asociados. Materiales y métodos: estudio descriptivo y transversal para el cual se tomaron los pacientes ingresados en el registro RELESSAR transversal. Se describieron las variables sociodemográficas y clínicas, las comorbilidades, score de actividad y daño. ECV se definió como la presencia de al menos una de las siguientes patologías: enfermedad arterial periférica, cardiopatía isquémica o accidente cerebrovascular. El evento clasificado para el análisis fue aquel posterior al diagnóstico del LES. Se conformaron dos grupos macheados por edad y sexo 1:2. Resultados: 1515 pacientes mayores de 18 años participaron del registro. Se describieron 80 pacientes con ECV (5,3%). En este análisis se incluyeron 240 pacientes conformando dos grupos. La edad media fue de 47,8 (14,4) y 47,6 (14,2) en el grupo con y sin ECV respectivamente. Los pacientes con ECV tuvieron mayor duración del LES en meses, mayor índice de Charlson, mayor SLICC (Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology), mayor frecuencia de manifestaciones neurológicas, síndrome antifosfolípido, hospitalizaciones y uso de ciclofosfamida. Las únicas variables asociadas en el análisis multivariado fueron el índice de Charlson (p=0,004) y el SLICC (p<0,001). Conclusiones: los ECV influyen significativamente en nuestros pacientes, y se asocian a mayor posibilidad de daño irreversible y comorbilidades.

Abstract Introduction: progress in treatments for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has resulted in a decrease in mortality; however, cardiovascular and infectious diseases remain the leading causes of death. Evidence supports the involvement of the immune system in the generation of atherosclerotic plaque, as well as its connection to autoimmune diseases. Objectives: to describe the frequency of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the cross-sectional RELESSAR registry, as well as its associated variables. Materials and methods: a descriptive and cross-sectional study was performed using patients admitted to the cross-sectional RELESSAR registry. Sociodemographic variables, clinical variables, comorbidities, activity and damage scores were described. CVD was defined as at least one of the following: peripheral arterial disease, ischemic heart disease, or cerebrovascular accident. All patients with at least one CVD were included in our analysis (heart attack, central nervous system vascular disease, and peripheral arteries atherosclerotic disease). The event classified for the analysis was that after the diagnosis of SLE. SLE diagnosis was previous to CVD. Two groups matched by age and sex, 1:2 were formed. Results: a total of 1515 patients older than 18 years participated in the registry. Eighty patients with CVD (5.3%) were described in the registry. Two-hundred and forty patients were included, according to two groups. The mean age was 47.8 (SD 14.4) and 47.6 (SD 14.2) in patients with and without CVD, respectively. Patients with CVD had a longer duration of SLE in months, a higher Charlson index, a higher SLICC, increased frequency of neurological manifestations, antiphospholipid syndrome, hospitalizations, and use of cyclophosphamide. The associated variables in the multivariate were the Charlson Index (p=0.004) and the SLICC (p<0.001). Conclusions: CVDs have a significant influence on our patients, being associated with a greater possibility of damage and comorbidities.

Cervical lymph nodes in rheumatology: A diagnostic dilemma

The case is presented on a 52-year-old male patient, who was seen in the Rheumatology department. He had painless lymph nodes in the cervical, axillary, supraclavicular, and neck region. He also had a fever, and parotid and submaxillary gland enlargement. Complementary studies were performed, showing normocytic-normochromic anemia, thrombocytopenia and eosinophilia, impaired renal function with hypoalbuminaemia and hematuria, ANA 1/5120, Sm+, ACL+. Biopsies were also performed on the compromised tissues, reaching the diagnosis of Rosai-Dorfman Disease and IgG4-related Disease. Differential diagnoses of cervical, axillary and inguinal lymph nodes, with fever, renal and hematological compromise are discussed.

Se describe el caso de un paciente varón de 52 años que consulta al servicio de reumatología por presentar adenopatías indoloras en las regiones cervical, axilar, supraclaviculares y en la nuca, así como fiebre, aumento de tamaño de parótidas y submaxilares. Se realizan estudios complementarios que arrojan como resultado anemia normocítica-normocrómica, trombocitopenia y eosinofilia, alteración de la función renal con hipoalbuminemia y hematuria, FAN 1/5.120, Sm+, ACL+ y biopsia de los tejidos comprometidos, por lo que se arriba al diagnóstico de enfermedad de Rosai-Dorfman y enfermedad relacionada con IgG4. Se discuten diagnósticos diferenciales de adenopatías cervicales, axilares e inguinales, fiebre, compromiso renal y hematológico.

Multicenter lupus register from Argentina, the RELESSAR database: Influence of ethnicity on disease phenotype.

OBJECTIVE: The objective is to describe the main characteristics of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in Argentina and to examine the influence of ethnicity on the expression of the disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: RELESSAR is a multicentre register carried out by 106 researchers from 67 rheumatologic Argentine centres. It is a cross-sectional study of SLE (1982/1997 ACR) patients. RELESSAR electronic database includes demographic, cumulative SLE manifestations, SELENA-SLEDAI, SLICC-SDI, Katz's severity and Charlson's comorbidity indexes and treatment patterns. RESULTS: We included 1,610 patients, 91.7% were female with a median age at diagnosis of 28.1 ± 12.8; 96.2% met ≥4 ACR 1982/97 criteria. Frequent manifestations were arthritis (83.5%), malar rash (79.5%), photosensitivity (75.3%), haematological (63.8%) and renal disease (47.4%), antinuclear antibodies (96%), anti-dsDNA (66.5%) and anti-Smith antibodies (29%). The mean Selena-SLEDAI score at last visit was 3.18 (SD 4.3) and mean SDI was 1 (SD 1.3). The accumulated treatments most frequently used were antimalarials (90.4%), corticosteroids (90%), azathioprine (31.8%), intravenous cyclophosphamide (30.2%), mycophenolate mofetil or mycophenolic acid (24.5%), methotrexate (19.3%), belimumab 5.3% and rituximab 5.1%. Refractory lupus was diagnosed in 9.3% of the cases. The main causes of death were lupus activity (25.0%), activity and concomitant infections (25.0%), infections (18.2%), vascular disease (13.6%) and cancer (4.5%). Mortality was associated with higher SLEDAI, Katz, damage indexes and comorbidities. Of the 1610 patients included, 44.6% were Caucasian, 44.5% Mestizo, 8.1% Amerindian and 1.2% Afro-Latin American. Mestizo patients had higher male representation, low socioeconomic status, more inadequate medical coverage, fewer formal years of education and shorter disease duration. Polyadenopathies and Raynaud's phenomenon were more frequent in Caucasians. In the logistic regression analysis higher damage index (OR 1.28, CI 95% 1.02-1.61, p = 0.03) remained associated to mestizo ethnicity. CONCLUSIONS: This study represents the largest number of adult patients with SLE studied in Argentina. Caucasian patients were differentiated by having Raynaud's phenomenon and polyadenopathy more frequently, while patients of Mestizo origin had higher damage indexes.

Lupus en Argentina. Pacientes no respondedores al tratamiento estándar y belimumab como posible opción. Datos del registro RELESSAR / Lupus in Argentina. Non-responders to standard treatment and belimumab as a possible option. RELESSAR record data

Introducción: el lupus es una enfermedad compleja y varias veces de difícil abordaje. Alcanzar la remisión es uno de los objetivos, incorporando opciones terapéuticas. Objetivos: describir las características generales de los pacientes según el estado de la enfermedad y el uso de belimumab. Materiales y métodos: estudio de corte transversal, registro RELESSAR. Se definió el estado de la enfermedad como: remisión: SLEDAI=0 y sin corticoides; baja actividad de la enfermedad: SLEDAI >0 y ≤4 y sin corticoides; control no óptimo: SLEDAI >4 y cualquier dosis de corticoides. Resultados: se incluyeron 1.277 pacientes, 23,4% en remisión, 12,6% en baja actividad y 63,8% con control no óptimo. En este último grupo eran más jóvenes y con menor duración de la enfermedad; presentaban mayores índices de actividad y cronicidad, y mayor empleo de inmunosupresores. Solo el 22,3% de los pacientes con criterio potencial de uso de belimumab (lupus eritematoso sistémico activo a pesar del tratamiento estándar) lo recibía en ese momento. Las variables asociadas a hospitalizaciones fueron: terapia con corticoides, ciclofosfamida y mayor SLICC. Conclusiones: se refleja la complejidad del manejo de estos pacientes y se visualizan aspectos estructurales como la desigualdad. El uso del belimumab resultaría beneficioso en los pacientes seleccionados.

Introduction: lupus is a complex disease and often difficult to approach. Achieving remission is one of the objectives, incorporating therapeutic options. Objectives: to describe the characteristics of the patients and the use of belimumab, according to the status of the disease. Materials and methods: cross-sectional study. Patients of the RELESSAR registry. Stratification: Remission: SLEDAI=0 and without corticosteroids. Low disease activity SLEDAI> 0 and ≤4 and without corticosteroids and non-optimal control: SLEDAI> 4 and any dose of corticosteroids. Results: a total of 1,277 patients were included, 23.4% in remission, 12.6% in low disease activity and 63.8% in non-optimal control. The last group was younger and had a shorter duration of the disease. They had higher activity and chronicity indices and greater use of immunosuppressants. Only 22.3% of the patients with potential criteria for the use of belimumab (activity disease despite standard treatment) were receiving it. The variables associated with hospitalizations were: corticosteroids, cyclophosphamide and higher SLICC. Those associated with severe infection: mycophenolate mofetil, azathioprine, corticosteroids, and higher SLICC. Conclusions: the complexity of the management of these patients is reflected, visualizing structural aspects such as inequality. The use of belimumab could be beneficial in selected patients.

Lupus en Argentina. Pacientes no respondedores al tratamiento estándar y belimumab como posible opción. Datos del registro RELESSAR / Lupus in Argentina. Non-responders to standard treatment and belimumab as a possible option. RELESSAR record data

Introducción: el lupus es una enfermedad compleja y varias veces de difícil abordaje. Alcanzar la remisión es uno de los objetivos, incorporando opciones terapéuticas. Objetivos: describir las características generales de los pacientes según el estado de la enfermedad y el uso de belimumab. Materiales y métodos: estudio de corte transversal, registro RELESSAR. Se definió el estado de la enfermedad como: remisión: SLEDAI=0 y sin corticoides; baja actividad de la enfermedad: SLEDAI >0 y ≤4 y sin corticoides; control no óptimo: SLEDAI >4 y cualquier dosis de corticoides. Resultados: se incluyeron 1.277 pacientes, 23,4% en remisión, 12,6% en baja actividad y 63,8% con control no óptimo. En este último grupo eran más jóvenes y con menor duración de la enfermedad; presentaban mayores índices de actividad y cronicidad, y mayor empleo de inmunosupresores. Solo el 22,3% de los pacientes con criterio potencial de uso de belimumab (lupus eritematoso sistémico activo a pesar del tratamiento estándar) lo recibía en ese momento. Las variables asociadas a hospitalizaciones fueron: terapia con corticoides, ciclofosfamida y mayor SLICC. Conclusiones: se refleja la complejidad del manejo de estos pacientes y se visualizan aspectos estructurales como la desigualdad. El uso del belimumab resultaría beneficioso en los pacientes seleccionados.

Introduction: lupus is a complex disease and often difficult to approach. Achieving remission is one of the objectives, incorporating therapeutic options. Objectives: to describe the characteristics of the patients and the use of belimumab, according to the status of the disease. Materials and methods: cross-sectional study. Patients of the RELESSAR registry. Stratification: Remission: SLEDAI=0 and without corticosteroids. Low disease activity SLEDAI> 0 and ≤4 and without corticosteroids and non-optimal control: SLEDAI> 4 and any dose of corticosteroids. Results: a total of 1,277 patients were included, 23.4% in remission, 12.6% in low disease activity and 63.8% in non-optimal control. The last group was younger and had a shorter duration of the disease. They had higher activity and chronicity indices and greater use of immunosuppressants. Only 22.3% of the patients with potential criteria for the use of belimumab (activity disease despite standard treatment) were receiving it. The variables associated with hospitalizations were: corticosteroids, cyclophosphamide and higher SLICC. Those associated with severe infection: mycophenolate mofetil, azathioprine, corticosteroids, and higher SLICC. Conclusions: the complexity of the management of these patients is reflected, visualizing structural aspects such as inequality. The use of belimumab could be beneficial in selected patients.

Rheumatic manifestations associated with cocaine addiction / Manifestaciones reumatológicas asociadas al consumo de cocaína

ABSTRACT Cocaine use is associated with several rheumatic syndromes. A series of cases is presented of 10 patients (7 male and 3 female), age at onset: 19-38 years-old. They consulted due to a variety of symptoms: fever, arthritis, swollen hands, stroke, fetal losses, arterial hypertension, alveolar hemorrhage, leucocytoclastic vasculitis, genital bleeding, among others. Half of them showed positive ANA and Ro antibodies, lymphopenia and positive P-ANCA. Treatments with steroids in bolus, cyclophosphamide and rituximab were used, with a good response. This series highlights clinical manifestations at onset that can mimic primary rheumatic diseases. Rheumatologists should consider cocaine use in the differential diagnoses of vasculitis and pseudovasculitis syndromes.

RESUMEN El uso de cocaína se asocia con varios síndromes reumáticos. Se trata de 10 pacientes (7 varones y 3 mujeres) con una edad al inicio del cuadro entre 19-38 anos, quienes consultaron por una variedad de síntomas: fiebre, artritis, tumefacción de manos, accidente isquémico transitorio, pérdidas fetales, hipertensión arterial, hemorragia alveolar, vasculitis leucoci-toclástica y hemorragia genital, entre otros. La mitad de estos pacientes presentaron ANA y anticuerpo anti-Ro positivos, linfopenia y p-ANCA positivo. Fueron tratados con corticoides intravenosos en bolo, ciclofosfamida y rituximab, con buena respuesta. Esta serie resalta las manifestaciones clínicas que, al inicio del cuadro, pueden imitar una enfermedad reumática primaria. Los reumatólogos debieran considerar a la cocaína en el diagnóstico diferencial de las vasculitis y los síndromes seudovasculíticos.

Comparación de pacientes con lupus eritematoso sistémico tratados en centros públicos versus centros privados de salud / Comparison of systemic lupus erythematosus patients treated in the public system of health versus private centers

Estudios recientes sobre lupus eritematoso sistémico (LES) han comunicado desenlaces más favorables gracias al mejor conocimiento de la enfermedad, al manejo más experto del mismo y al uso racional de los tratamientos. En este estudio se identificaron 301 pacientes con lupus eritematoso sistémico (LES), vistos entre 1988 y 2019. Doscientos veintiocho fueron tratados en el sistema público de salud y 73 en el sistema privado. Ambos grupos fueron comparados, observando que los primeros tenían menor edad al momento de la primera consulta y al inicio del LES y menor tiempo de evolución hasta la primera consulta que los pacientes atendidos en el sistema privado de salud de manera estadísticamente significativa. También mostraron mayor frecuencia de leucopenia, con presencia de anticuerpo Sm y compromiso renal en la primera consulta, como así también mayor uso de corticoides EV. Los pacientes hospitalarios presentaron mayor daño acumulado en los primeros 10 años de evolución, pero el desenlace muerte fue similar en ambos grupos. Ambos grupos de pacientes (tanto los del sistema público como los del sector privado) fueron atendidos por especialistas, realizando un cuidadoso seguimiento de estos pacientes.

Recent studies on systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have reported more favorable outcomes thanks to better knowledge of the disease, more expert management of it, and rational use of treatments. In this study we identified 301 SLE patients, seen between 1988 and 2019. Two hundred and twenty eight patients were treated in the public health system and 73 in private practice. In comparing both groups, we discovered that patients in the public health system were younger at first consultation and at SLE onset and that the mean duration of their disease prior to first consultation was shorter in a statistically significant way. Also, they showed more frequence of leucopenia, Sm antibody, renal involvement and received I.V. corticosteroids. Patients treated in the public system of health showed more accrual damage over the 10 first years of the disease than patients seen in the private system of health, but death in both groups was similar. Patients from both public and private groups were attended by medical specialist practices who made close follow-ups.

Enfermedad de Erdheim-Chester: Serie de diecinueve casos y un diagnóstico diferencial de relevancia / Erdheim-Chester Disease: Series of nineteen cases and a relevant differential diagnosis

La enfermedad de Erdheim-Chester (EEC) es una histiocitosis de células no Langerhans de presentación proteiforme y escaso conocimiento. Se presenta una serie de 19 casos de 4 centros, registrados de junio de 2012 a junio de 2019. Se incluyeron aquellos pacientes con clínica, anatomía patológica e inmunohistoquímica característica de la enfermedad. Se excluyeron pacientes con hallazgos indefinidos. Resultados: al igual que en la literatura, el compromiso más frecuente fue el óseo por imagenología, la mitad de estos sintomático. Nuestra serie presenta mayor incidencia de mujeres (casi 70%). Siete pacientes presentaron nódulo mamario como forma de presentación. La mayoría recibieron dosis media de esteroides asociado a otra droga inmunosupresora. La mortalidad fue del 16%. Conclusión: comunicamos una serie de pacientes con la EEC mencionando las características más destacables. Es llamativo el número de pacientes con afectación mamaria, por lo cual proponemos téngase en cuenta en el diagnóstico diferencial de la patología tumoral mamaria.

Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) is a non-Langerhans histiocytosis, protein manifestations at start and little known. We included 19 patients from June 2012 to June of 2019. Inclusion criteria: clinical features, histopathology and immunostaining compatible with ECD. We excluded patients with undefined features. Results: Bones were the most frequent affected, half of them were asymptomatic. Seventy per cent of the patients were women, and 7 of them developed a nodule breast as first manifestation of ECD. The patients were treated with corticosteroids associated or not with immunosuppressants. The mortality rate was 16%. Conclusion: We reported a series of patients with ECD, enhancing the most frequent features. It is striking the number of patients with breast involvement; we propose to include the Erdheim-Chester disease in differential diagnosis of breast tumor.

Cavidades pulmonares en Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico / Lung cavities in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Las lesiones pulmonares cavitadas en pacientes con Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico (LES) han sido descriptas en asociación con neumonitis por citomegalovirus, o secundarias a infecciones fúngicas. Haciendo una revisión en la literatura, se han descripto 13 casos de pacientes con estas lesiones. Presentamos cuatro pacientes con diagnóstico de LES, que durante la evolución de su enfermedad desarrollan cavidades pulmonares.

Cavitary lung lesions in patients with SLE have been described in association with cytomegalovirus pneumonitis, or secondary to fungal infections. Making a review in the literature, 13 cases of patients with these lesions have been described. We present four patients diagnosed with SLE, whom developed lung cavities during the evolution of the disease.

Gammapatías monoclonales de significado clínico en reumatología / Monoclonal gammopathies with clinical significance in rheumatology

Las gammapatías monoclonales son un grupo amplio de enfermedades de células hematológicas con expresión clínica variable, con afectación sistémica o localizada. Muchos de estos trastornos simulan enfermedades reumáticas, y pueden presentarse previa- o posteriormente a la enfermedad de base, por lo cual dificultan su diagnóstico. El propósito de este estudio es comunicar los casos de cinco pacientes con manifestaciones clínicas de enfermedades reumáticas y diagnóstico final de enfermedades oncohematológicas. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal mediante el análisis de historias clínicas de pacientes evaluados en el Servicio de Reumatología del Hospital José María Cullen de Santa Fe entre marzo del 2010 y junio del 2019. Se incluyó a cinco pacientes que fueron estudiados por sospecha de enfermedad reumatológica hasta llegar al diagnóstico final de gammapatía monoclonal. Cuatro pacientes presentaron mieloma múltiple manifestado como síndrome de Schnitzler; xantogranuloma del adulto y amiloidosis; aplastamientos vertebrales múltiples; falla renal aguda, respectivamente. El quinto paciente se presentó simulando una vasculitis sistémica con afectación multiorgánica y diagnóstico final de linfoma intravascular. Los pacientes fueron derivados al Servicio de Oncología y Hematología para su atención. A partir de la serie de casos analizados, se concluye que las manifestaciones reumáticas de las enfermedades oncohematológicas se deben tener presentes en el accionar diario para evitar la demora diagnóstica y los tratamientos innecesarios(AU)

Monoclonal gammapathies are a broad group of diseases from hematopoietic cells with variable clinical features and systemic or limited involvement. These entities could begin as a rheumatic disease, even previously to the diagnosis of MG. To describe five patients with rheumatic manifestations that lately were diagnosed as monoclonal gammapathies. We describe the more relevant features of five patients assisted in our rheumatology center. Four patients were diagnosed with multiple myeloma that begins as: 1) Schnitzler's syndrome, 2) Adult-onset xanthogranuloma and amyloidosis, 3) multiple vertebral fracture, 4) acute kidney failure. The 5th patient has a vasculitis-like syndrome due to an intravascular lymphoma. The rheumatic-like syndromes are infrequent but we should take into account this diagnosis in our clinical practice for rapid diagnostic and correct treatment(AU)

Cavidades pulmonares en Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico / Pulmonary cavities in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Las lesiones pulmonares cavitadas en pacientes con Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico (LES) han sido descriptas en asociación con neumonitis por citomegalovirus, o secundarias a infecciones fúngicas. Haciendo una revisión en la literatura, se han descripto 13 casos de pacientes con estas lesiones. Presentamos cuatro pacientes con diagnóstico de LES, que durante la evolución de su enfermedad desarrollan cavidades pulmonares.

Cavitary lung lesions in patients with SLE have been described in association with cytomegalovirus pneumonitis, or secondary to fungal infections. Making a review in the literature, 13 cases of patients with these lesions have been described. We present four patients diagnosed with SLE, whom developed lung cavities during the evolution of the disease.

Paquimeningitis hipertrófica relacionada con IgC4: comunicación de otros 11 casos y revisión de la literatura / IgG4-related hypertrophic pachymeningitis: communication of eleven other cases and literature review

La paquimeningitis es un raro desorden caracterizado por engrosamiento focal o difuso de la duramadre, siendo una potencial manifestación de la enfermedad relacionada con IgG4. Presentamos 11 pacientes, seis hombres y cinco mujeres, entre 39-73 años, que consultaron por cefalea, alteraciones visuales, acúfenos, hipoacusia, pérdida de peso, agrandamiento de glándulas salivales, dorsalgia, cuadriplejía y compromiso de nervios craneales. Algunos de ellos presentaron elevación de la proteína C reactiva o del valor de sedimentación globular, mientras que la mayoría presentó niveles séricos normales de IgG4. Todos los pacientes mostraron engrosamiento de la duramadre en la resonancia magnética. La biopsia de duramadre, de vesícula biliar, hipófisis o glándula lagrimal, mostró un infiltrado linfoplasmocitario con o sin fibrosis estoriforme, con más de 10 plasmocitos IgG4 (+) y un rango IgG4: IgG que osciló del 20 al 60 por ciento. Los pacientes recibieron prednisona sola o con rituximab, metotrexate, ciclofosfamida o azatioprina, con respuesta favorable(AU)

Pachymeningitis is a rare disorder characterized by focal or diffuse thickening of the dura mater, being a potential manifestation of the disease related to IgG4. We present 11 patients, six men and five women, aged 39-73 years, who consulted for headache, visual disturbances, tinnitus, hearing loss, weight loss, salivary gland enlargement, dorsalgia, quadriplegia and cranial nerve involvement. Some of them presented elevation of the C-reactive protein or the erythrocyte sedimentation value, while the majority had normal serum levels of IgG4. All patients showed thickening of the dura in magnetic resonance imaging. The biopsy of dura mater, gallbladder, pituitary gland or lacrimal gland showed a lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate with or without storiform fibrosis, with more than 10 IgG4 (+) plasmocytes and an IgG4: IgG range that ranged from 20 to 60 percent. Patients received prednisone alone or with rituximab, methotrexate, cyclophosphamide or azathioprine, with favorable response(AU)

Vasculitis livedoide asociada a mononeuritis múltiple / Livedoid vasculopathy associated with mononeuritis multiplex

Se presenta un varón de 64 años, obeso, hipertenso, con diabetes no-insulinodependiente de 6 años de evolución. Se presentó a la consulta con úlceras dolorosas en miembros inferiores de aparición estival, de 10 meses de evolución y relataba parestesias de 20 meses de evolución. La electromiografía reveló la presencia de una mononeuritis múltiple que luego progresó a polineuropatía axonalmixta. Necrosis dérmica asociada a trombos fibrinoides, depósitos de material hialino con infiltrado inflamatorio mixto fue observado en la biopsia de piel, llegándose al diagnóstico de vasculitis livedoide. La misma no sería una verdadera vasculitis, sino un fenómeno vaso-oclusivo que debe diferenciarse de otras vasculitis (vasculitis cutáneas de pequeños vasos, panarteritis nodosa, síndrome antifosfolipídico, estasis venoso crónico, pioderma gangrenoso, entre otros). El compromiso neurológico es excepcional en esta vasculopatía, habiendo sido descriptos sólo 5 casos con esta asociación

Evaluación de estrés oxidativo en pacientes con Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico y su posible relación con la exposición ambiental a agroquímicos / Assessment of oxidative stress in patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and its possible relationship with environmental exposure to agrochemicals

Los agroquímicos son un método efectivo para controlar especies perjudiciales a los intereses del hombre, pero aplicados indiscriminadamente provocan diversos impactos a nivel ambiental y en la salud. Uno de los mecanismos más importantes por el cual los agroquímicos se ponen en contacto directo con las poblaciones de zonas periurbanas es mediante la deriva. El Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico (LES) es una enfermedad autoinmune que posee un amplio rango de presentaciones clínicas y severidad. Si bien su etiología es desconocida, se la asocia con diversas causas ambientales dentro de las que podrían estar presentes los agroquímicos. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar, el posible daño oxidativo generado por exposición ambiental a mezclas de agroquímicos en pacientes con LES y personas sanas que residen en zonas rurales expuestas a mezclas de plaguicidas y contrastar los resultados con pacientes y personas sanas de zonas urbanas no expuestas. Se evaluaron 44 pacientes con diagnóstico de LES y 58 personas sanas (controles), se utilizaron como marcadores: catalasa (CAT), superóxido dismutasa (SOD), la relación glutation oxidado/reducido (GSH/GSSG) y lipoperoxidación (TBARS). Se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente signifcativas para TBARS y SOD al comparar los resultados del grupo LES urbano con su control y el grupo LES rural con el suyo (p<0,01 en ambos). Al realizar las comparaciones entre LES urbano y LES rural se halló un incremento en TBARS del 18,3% (p=0,014). Esta investigación demuestra la importancia de la utilización de biomarcadores de daño oxidativo en el seguimiento clínico de pacientes con LES, con el fn de establecer pautas de tratamiento adecuadas y considerar la relación entre la exposición ambiental a plaguicidas y el aumento de daño oxidativo en pacientes con LES.

The agrochemicals are an effective method to control harmful species of interests to humans, but when they are applied indiscriminately, they can cause environmental and health damage to people. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that has a wide range of clinical manifestations and severity. While the etiology of SLE is unknown, it is associated with various environmental causes, being one possibility the exposure to agrochemicals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible oxidative damage generated by environmental exposure to agrochemical mixtures in SLE patients and healthy people living in rural areas and compare them with patients and healthy people living in urban, unexposed areas. Forty four patients diagnosed with SLE and 58 healthy individuals (controls) were evaluated, using the following markers: Catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), the oxidized/reduced glutathione ratio (GSH / GSSG) and lipid peroxidation (TBARS). Statistically signifcant differences were found in TBARS and SOD by comparing the results of the urban SLE group with its control and rural SLE group with its control (p <0.01 for both cases). When making comparisons between urban SLE group and the rural SLE group, an increase of 18.3% was found in TBARS (p = 0.014). This research demonstrates the importance of using biomarkers of oxidative stress in the clinical monitoring of patients with SLE, in order to establish guidelines for appropriate treatment and consider the relationship between environmental exposure to pesticides and increased oxidative damage in patients with SLE.

Focal myositis presenting as pseudothrombophlebitis of the arm.

We described a 21-year-old woman with a diagnosis of Sjögren syndrome that came for consultation with a localized mass over her left arm of fast growth. Lab results were normal; a Doppler ultrasound showed the presence of partial thrombosis in the left axillary vein; a magnetic resonance imaging showed edema on the biceps muscle and the biopsy of the mass disclosed the presence of severe lymphocyte infiltrate within the connective tissue and scarce muscle fibers. Immunostaining showed positive results for antígeno comun leucocitario in spanish (leukocyte common antigen) (ACL) and CD3. Those results are consistent with the diagnosis of focal myositis. The patient was treated with low doses of prednisone and methotrexate, with good response.

Calciphylaxis of the temporal artery masquerading as temporal arteritis: a case presentation and review of the literature.

An 82-year-old woman came to consultation with sudden visual loss in her left eye. Fifteen days before, she complained of diplopia. She had doubtful symptoms of giant cell arteritis and showed a normal physical exam. Lab results showed erythrosedimentation rate (ESR) = 62 mm/1°h; uremia = 0.56 g/dl (normal <0.45); serum creatinine = 1.7 mg% (normal <1.4); low calcium and phosphorus; and normal urine calcium and serous PTH. Fundus exam and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed normality of optic nerves, chiasma, retrochiasmatic area, ocular muscles, eyeballs, lacrimal glands, periorbital fat, cavernous sinuses, and occipital cortex. A temporal arteritis was suspected; therefore, a biopsy was carried on. It showed the presence of large calcium deposits in the artery's tunica media and internal elastic lamina, with narrowing of the lumen, with no inflammation and multinuclear giant cells. Histological diagnosis is calciphylaxis. Although calciphylaxis is a well-described entity that occurs in end-stage renal patients, many cases are due to non-uremic causes. To date, there are only six cases described in literature of calciphylaxis mimicking GCA.

Comparing demographics, clinical presentation, treatments and outcome between systemic lupus erythematosus patients treated in a public and private health system in Santa Fe, Argentina.

The study includes 159 SLE patients seen between 1987 and 2011, of whom 116 were treated in the public health system and 43 in private practice. In the comparison between both groups, it was shown that patients in the public health system were younger at first consultation and at the onset of SLE, and that the mean duration of their disease prior to nephropathy was statistically significantly shorter. They also presented with more SLE activity (measured by Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Activity Index) such as fever, lower levels of C4, and elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Although cyclophosphamide was administered more frequently to patients in the public health system group, there were no statistically significant differences in renal histological findings. A second renal biopsy was performed on 20 patients due to the presence of persistent proteinuria, peripheral edema, urinary casts, or because of previous defective renal specimens. The overall 10-year survival of the patients in the public health system was 78% compared to a survival rate of 91% for the patients in private practices. When survival was evaluated at 15 years, however, no differences were found (log rank test: 0.65). Patients from both public and private groups attended medical specialist practices and received early diagnoses and close follow-ups.

Ultrasound nail imaging on patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis compared with rheumatoid arthritis and control subjects.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was too show findings at finger nails level revealed by high-frequency gray-scale ultrasound (US) and power Doppler in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA),and cutaneous psoriasis compared with rheumatoid arthritis and control subjects. METHODS: We studied 35 patients with PsA, 20 with cutaneous psoriasis, and control groups (28 control subjects and 27 patients with rheumatoid arthritis). All nails of both hands were observed (1097 nails, 3 excluded because of trauma). In every patient, we classified the morphologic abnormalities disclosed in ventral and dorsal nail plates. We also measured the distance between ventral plate and the bone margin of the distal phalanx at the right index finger. RESULTS: All patients and control subjects presented abnormalities in the US imaging. Those with psoriatic arthritis and cutaneous psoriasis showed a higher number of compromised nails. When classifying those abnormalities using the typology of Wortsman et al, patients with psoriatic arthritis showed loosening of the borders of the ventral plate (type II), whereas patients with cutaneous psoriasis showed focal hyperechoic involvement of the ventral plate without involvement of the dorsal plate (type I). Patients of the control group could not be classified, although 31 of 55 showed thinning of the ventral plate without hyperechoic deposits. Nineteen of 35 patients with psoriatic arthritis, and 10 of 20 patients with cutaneous psoriasis did not show any nail clinical alterations. Nevertheless, the US detected type II alterations in the first group and type I in the second group. Patients with psoriatic arthropathy had power Doppler increases in distal interphalangeal joints and nail beds in a statistically significant form (P = 0.0001).When measuring the distance between the ventral plate and the bone margin of the distal phalanx, there was homogeneity among samples in patients and control subjects. A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis determined that a cut point of 2 mm clearly defined these 2 groups. There was a significant difference (P < 0.0001) between the mean distance ventral plate-osseous margin of the distal phalanx in psoriatic arthritis patients (P = 0.001) and patients with cutaneous psoriasis (P = 0.005) versus rheumatoid arthritis patients (P = 0.548). CONCLUSIONS: As a predominant finding in our study, we observed abnormalities of the ventral plate in patients with PsA (type II) and abnormalities (type I) in patients with cutaneous psoriasis. We found a significant difference between the mean distance ventral plate-osseous margin of the distal phalanx in patients with PsA and patients with cutaneous psoriasis versus control subjects. Ultrasound imaging could be a feasible and sensitive tool to describe, measure, and follow morphologic characteristics and changes of the nail in psoriatic and/ or psoriatic arthritis patients with or without clinical nail lesions.

Síndrome RACAND: presentación de un caso y diagnósticos diferenciales / RACAND syndrome: a case report and differential diagnoses

Se describe una mujer de 57 años, tabaquista, con necrosis digital, fenómeno de Raynaud y anticuerpo anticentrómero en ausencia de esclerodactilia, esclerodermia proximal y distal y trastornos esofágicos. Fueron descartadas patologías neoplásicas, otras enfermedades del tejido conectivo y enfermedades vasculares, las cuales no fueron desarrolladas durante el tiempo de seguimiento de esta paciente. Se concluye que la paciente tuvo un síndrome RACAND, el cual no evolucionó a otra enfermedad del tejido conectivo hasta el fallecimiento de la misma.

We described a 57-year old woman smoker, with digital necrosis, Raynaud phenomenon and positive anticentromere antibody. Shedidn’t show sclerodactily, proximal or distal scleroderma or esophagealdisorders. Malignancies, other connective tissues diseases andvascular diseases were ruled out and were not developed during thefollow up. We conclude that this patient had a RACAND syndrome,which do not evolved into other connective disease until the deathof the patient.