Study of the osteoprotegerin/receptor activator of nuclear factor-kB ligand system association with inflammation and atherosclerosis in systemic sclerosis.

OBJECTIVE: we aimed to study systemic sclerosis patients in order to assess osteoprotegerin/Receptor activator of nuclear factor-kB ligand (OPG/RANKL) system and find the relation of these biomarkers with the clinical features of the disease, the carotid intima thickness, markers of inflammation, lipid profile, and other laboratory characteristics. METHODS: both the level of (RANKL), (OPG) in sera of participants, in 30 (SSc) patients and the atherosclerotic changes affecting the common carotid artery were measured and, were compared to 30 healthy controls matched for age and sex. All participants were assessed clinically and subjected to the Revised Medsger SSc severity scale and underwent carotid Doppler ultrasound examination. RESULTS: OPG, RANKL, and RANKL/OPG were 1.9 ± 0.4 ng/ml, 24.3 ± 17.25 ng/ml, and 13.5 ±9.8 versus 0.77 ± 0.25 ng/ml, 7.13 ± 3.02 ng/ml, and 9.6 ± 3.1 in the SSc patients and the controls with significance (P = 0.001, P = 0.001, P = 0.045) respectively. The OPG- RANKL axis in the SSc patients correlated significantly with carotid intima thickness, arthritis, arthralgia, inflammatory markers, Medsger joint, Medsger vascular, Medsger skin, and dyslipidemia. CONCLUSION: In cardiovascular risks, OPG serum level might increase as a preventive compensatory mechanism to neutralize the RANKL level increment. The determination of the OPG-RANKL system is a diagnostic indicator for the intensity of vascular calcification and atherosclerosis in SSc patients.

Shoulder arthroscopy remains superior to direct MR arthrography for diagnosis of subtle rotator interval lesions.

PURPOSE: To assess the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of MR arthrography, as opposed to shoulder arthroscopy, in diagnosing individual rotator interval (RI) structures lesions at different levels of severity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-five patients were enrolled in a prospective study. All the patients were diagnosed with full-thickness rotator cuff tendon tears on unenhanced MRI and had complimentary MR arthrography to search for obscure RI lesions. All the patients then underwent shoulder arthroscopy. The arthroscopist was blinded about the MR arthrography results. RESULTS: At arthroscopy, 42 patients (56 %) were found to have RI lesion(s) and represented the study group. The remaining 33 patients represented the control group. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of MR arthrography for detecting individual RI lesions varied widely depending on the location and severity of the lesions. MR arthrography showed intermediate sensitivity of 67-80 %, specificity of 83-89 % and accuracy of 89-92 % for diagnosing subtle RI lesions; and perfect (100 %) sensitivity, specificity and accuracy for diagnosing biceps long head tendon dislocation. For the rest of RI lesions, MR arthrography showed high sensitivity, specificity and accuracy. Inter-observer agreement was found to be almost perfect (K = 0.81-1.0). CONCLUSION: Shoulder arthroscopy remains the gold standard for diagnosing subtle RI lesions. Although MR arthrography has proved to be a valuable tool for diagnosing established RI lesions, it is of intermediate sensitivity for diagnosing subtle RI lesions resulting in early insufficiency of the biceps pulley system.

The OMERACT whole-body MRI scoring system for inflammation in peripheral joints and entheses (WIPE) in spondyloarthritis - reference image atlas for the knee region.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a reference image atlas for the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology whole-body MRI scoring system for inflammation in peripheral joints and entheses (OMERACT MRI-WIPE) of the knee region. METHODS: Image examples of each pathology, location and grade, were collected and discussed at web-based, interactive meetings within the OMERACT MRI in Arthritis Working Group. Subsequently, reference images were selected by consensus. RESULTS: Reference images for each grade, pathology and location are depicted, along with definitions, reader rules and recommended MRI-sequences. CONCLUSION: The atlas guides scoring whole-body MRIs for inflammation in joints and entheses of the knee region according to MRI-WIPE methodology in clinical trials and cohorts.

Hip and pelvis region MRI reference image atlas for scoring inflammation in peripheral joints and entheses according to the OMERACT-MRI WIPE scoring system in patients with spondyloarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a reference image atlas for scoring the hip/pelvis region according to the OMERACT whole-body MRI scoring system for inflammation in peripheral joints and entheses (MRI-WIPE). METHODS: We collected image examples of each pathology, location and grade, discussed them at web-based, interactive meetings and, finally, selected reference images by consensus. RESULTS: Reference images for each grade and location of osteitis, synovitis and soft tissue inflammation are provided, as are definitions, reader rules and recommended MRI-sequences. CONCLUSION: A reference image atlas was created to guide scoring whole-body MRIs for arthritis and enthesitis in the hip/pelvis region in spondyloarthritis/psoriatic arthritis clinical trials and cohorts.

Pulmonary embolism versus pulmonary vasculitis in Hughes-Stovin syndrome: Characteristic computed tomography pulmonary angiographic findings and diagnostic and therapeutic implications. HSS International Study Group.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Hughes-Stovin syndrome (HSS) is a rare systemic vasculitis with widespread venous/arterial thrombosis and pulmonary vasculitis. Distinguishing between pulmonary embolism (PE) and in-situ thrombosis in the early stages of HSS is challenging. The aim of the study is to compare clinical, laboratory, and computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) characteristics in patients diagnosed with PE versus those with HSS. METHODS: This retrospective study included 40 HSS patients with complete CTPA studies available, previously published by the HSS study group, and 50 patients diagnosed with PE from a single center. Demographics, clinical and laboratory findings, vascular thrombotic events, were compared between both groups. The CTPA findings were reviewed, with emphasis on the distribution, adherence to the mural wall, pulmonary infarction, ground glass opacification, and intra-alveolar hemorrhage. Pulmonary artery aneurysms (PAAs) in HSS were assessed and classified. RESULTS: The mean age of HSS patients was 35 ± 12.3 years, in PE 58.4 ± 17 (p < 0.0001). Among PE 39(78 %) had co-morbidities, among HSS none. In contrast to PE, in HSS both major venous and arterial thrombotic events are seen.. Various patterns of PAAs were observed in the HSS group, which were entirely absent in PE. Parenchymal hemorrhage was also more frequent in HSS compared to PE (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Major vascular thrombosis with arterial aneurysms formation are characteristic of HSS. PE typically appear loosely-adherent and mobile whereas "in-situ thrombosis" seen in HSS is tightly-adherent to the mural wall. Mural wall enhancement and PAAs are distinctive pulmonary findings in HSS. The latter findings have significant therapeutic ramifications.

Pulmonary vasculitis in Behçet's disease: reference atlas computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) findings and risk assessment-management proposal.

BACKGROUND AND AIM:  Pulmonary artery aneurysms (PAAs) are the most well-defined type of pulmonary vascular complication in Behçet's disease (BD).The aim of this study is to analyze which CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) signs are associated with serious morbidity and mortality. METHODS: The study included 42 BD patients with pulmonary vascular complications. All patients' medical records were reviewed retrospectively in terms of demographics, disease characteristics, laboratory investigations, pulmonary manifestations, arterial and/or venous thrombosis and CTPA vascular and parenchymal findings. RESULTS: Deep venous thrombosis was observed in 31(73.8%) patients, arterial thrombosis in 13(31%), peripheral arterial aneurysms in 12(286%), haemoptysis in 38 (90.5%), and fatal haemoptysis in 8(19 %) patients. CTPA revealed: in situ thrombosis in 14(33.3%) patients, true stable PAAs in 13(31), true unstable PAAs in 11(26.2%), stable pulmonary artery pseudoaneurysms (PAPs) in 7(16.7%), unstable PAPs in 17(40.5%), the latter were associated with perianeurysmal leaking in 26(61.9%) and bronchial indentation in 19(45.2%).In regression analysis, fatal outcomes were associated with age in years (p=0.035), arterial thrombosis (p=0.025), peripheral arterial aneurysms (p=0.010), intracardiac thrombosis (p=0.026) and positively associated with haemoptysis severity (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Peripheral arterial thrombosis and/or aneurysms, intracardiac thrombosis and haemoptysis severity are predictor of fatal outcomes in BD pulmonary vasculitis. PAPs with perianeurysmal alveolar haemorrhage and/or bronchial indentation are serious CTPA signs that require prompt identification and aggressive treatment. PAPs are a more serious aneurysmal pattern than true PAAs because they are a contained rupture of a PA branch in the context of pulmonary vasculitis.

Transient regional osteoporosis of the ankle with shifting bone marrow edema pattern within the joint.

We describe a case of bone marrow edema (BME) shifting within one ankle joint in a 35-year-old - male patient. He presented with increasing pain and no history of trauma. Clinically no local swelling was found and laboratory findings and plain x-ray studies were normal. He did not improve on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for 2 weeks. A Gadolinium enhanced magnetic resonance imaging showed no evidence of synovitis, but BME was observed in the talus and transient regional osteoporosis was diagnosed. The patient was treated conservatively by protective partial weight bearing of the affected joint and he showed partial improvement after 6 months of daily treatment with Calcitonin Salmon nasal spray. A magnetic resonance imaging after 6 months showed that the BME had shifted anteriorly with complete resolution at the initial site. Transient regional osteoporosis is a rare self-limiting syndrome characterized by sudden onset of joint pain, functional limitations and spontaneous recovery, without preceding trauma. The condition may present as one episode affecting only one joint or recurrent episode that may affect multiple joints. BME between different compartments of the same joint can occur and has been reported only in a few case reports in the knee joint. The case is discussed and the literature is reviewed.

Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of Gruberi Bursitis as a very rare cause of dorsolateral ankle pain and swelling: Case report and review of the literature.

The Gruberi sinus tarsi bursa is a dorsolateral ankle anatomic bursa that has been described in the past but is rarely mentioned in recent radiology literature. The Gruberi bursa is distinguished by its position between the extensor digitorum longus tendons and the talus. It is usually unilocular, anechoic and compressible as shown with ultrasound in a previous study. In recent literature, the enhanced MRI features of an inflamed Gruberi bursa as the underlying cause of a painful ankle joint and antalgic gait are rarely demonstrated. In this report, we present the enhanced MRI features of Gruberi bursitis in a female patient who complained of acute onset of pain and swelling along the dorsolateral aspect of her left ankle, as well as a painful limping gait after sport-related activities. Complaints improved after an intra-bursal corticosteroid injection. The case is discussed and the typical enhanced MRI features are demonstrated. The relevant literature is discussed.

Pelvi-abdominal ACTINOMYCOSIS as a complication of long-term use of intrauterine device (IUD). The important role of imaging in diagnosis and follow-up.

ACTINOMYCOSIS is a rare chronic granulomatous disease caused by anaerobic filamentous gram-positive bacteria, the most common of which is Actinomyces israelii. Actinomycetes are commensal inhabitants of the oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract, but they may become pathogenic through invasion of breached or necrotic tissue. Pelviabdominal ACTINOMYCOSIS is uncommon and can mimic a variety of disease processes, including abdominal mass mimicking malignancy, acute abdomen, asthenia, and weight loss. We describe a 38-year-old woman who presented with acute abdominal pain and tenderness, as well as constitutional manifestations and elevated inflammatory markers. On initial computerized tomography (CT) and MRI, a large fluid collection underlining the anterior abdominal wall at the false pelvic cavity, as well as parietal peritoneal enhancement and smudging of the mesenteric fat and a bulky fibroid uterus with an implanted IUD, were identified. The ultrasound guided aspiration and anaerobic culture revealed positive growth for Actinomyces bacteria. An exploratory laparoscopy revealed extensive adhesions between the abdominal wall and the small intestine, as well as hyperemic and thickened peritoneum, and peritoneal biopsy confirmed ACTINOMYCOSIS. After the diagnosis was established, the IUD was removed and the patient was given Ceftriaxone 2 gm once daily for 6 weeks before switching to oral doxycycline 100 mg twice daily for another 3 months. A significant regression of the suprapubic fluid collection, and peritoneal-mesenteric changes were confirmed on follow-up. The case is discussed, and the relevant literature reviewed and analyzed.

The clinical utility of faecal calprotectin in patients with differentiated and undifferentiated spondyloarthritis: Relevance and clinical implications.

OBJECTIVES: There is cumulative evidence in the literature supporting a potential role of faecal calprotectin (FCP) as a biomarker for gut inflammation in spondyloarthritis (SpA). However its relevance in undifferentiated SpA (USpA) is still uncertain. The aim of the current study is to assess the diagnostic significance of FCP levels in patients with differentiated and undifferentiated SpA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 52 differentiated SpA, 33 USpA and 50 controls could be included. For all patients, clinical evaluation, routine laboratory investigations, FCP levels, and occult blood in stool were performed. When indicated imaging and/or endoscopies were performed. RESULTS: The differentiated SpA patients were 12 (23.1%) with ankylosing spondylitis, 21 (40.4%) with psoriatic arthritis, 13 (25%) with ulcerative colitis, 5 (9.6%) with Crohn's disease (CD) and one (1.9%) with reactive arthritis. The mean FCP level in 85 patients correlated with CRP and ESR. Within the SpA group ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease patients had increased FCP levels compared to other SpA subgroups and USpA patients (p<0.001). The mean FCP levelwas significantly higher in the SpA patients compared to USpA and controls (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Elevated FCP levels may identify patients who are most likely to have SpA already in the unclassified phase of the disease. Further studies in different series of patients are needed to evaluate the potential diagnostic and prognostic roles of FCP in both differentiated and undifferentiated phases of the disease.

Correlations of urinary biomarkers, TNF-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK), osteoprotegerin (OPG), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and IL-8 with lupus nephritis.

OBJECTIVE: This case-controlled study was designed to correlate urinary biomarkers, TNF-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK), osteoprotegerin (OPG), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and interleukin-8 (IL-8) levels, with renal involvement in a cohort of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients to examine their diagnostic performance. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In 73 SLE patients, and in 23 healthy volunteers, urinary levels of TWEAK, OPG, MCP-1, and IL-8 levels were measured. Disease activity was assessed by total SLE disease activity index, and renal activity by renal activity index (rSLEDAI), and both were correlated with urinary biomarkers. Sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values of individual biomarkers to predict lupus nephritis were also calculated. RESULTS: Significantly higher levels of urinary biomarkers were observed in SLE patients with lupus nephritis (LN) compared with those without LN (TWEAK, p < 0.001; MCP-1, p < 0.001; OPG, p < 0.001; IL-8, p < 0.032). Other significantly higher levels were observed in SLE patients with LN compared with control subjects (TWEAK, MCP-1, OPG, and IL-8 p < 0.001). Positive correlations were observed between rSLEDAI and TWEAK (r = 0.612 and p < 0.001), MCP-1 (r = 0.635 and p < 0.001), and OPG (r = 0.505 and p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Urinary levels of TWEAK, OPG, and MCP-1 positively correlate with renal involvement as assessed by rSLEDAI with reasonable sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values to detect lupus nephritis while IL-8 was not significantly associated with global or rSLEDAI.

Transient regional osteoporosis of the hip with extensive bone marrow edema (BME): Dramatic improvement after three months of Alendronate therapy.

Transient osteoporosis of the hip, also termed transient bone marrow edema, is a painful condition often occurring after trivial trauma. It can be diagnosed with MRI in patients whose radiographs are negative or inconclusive. In this case report we describe a 39-year-old female patient with this rare entity, who was successfully treated with oral Alendronate, active vitamin D and calcium supplementation combined with avoiding of weight bearing on the affected hip. She improved clinically within three months and on contrast enhanced MRI studies, as performed before and after treatment, complete regression of bone marrow edema was shown already after three months of treatment. The literature was reviewed regarding the pathophysiology of transient osteoporosis of the hip and the beneficial effects of Alendronate in this domain. The report is important because it will increase the awareness among clinicians and radiologists about this entity, as in neglected cases transient regional osteoporosis of the hip may progress to avascular necrosis with complete loss of hip function.

Autoantibodies to extractable nuclear antigens (ENAs) pattern in rheumatoid arthritis patients: Relevance and clinical implications.

OBJECTIVES: To study the frequency of different autoantibodies to extractable nuclear antigens (ENAs) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and to correlate findings with clinical manifestations, disease activity and radiological damage. METHODS: A total of 230 RA patients were included and 75 healthy controls. In all patients rheumatological assessment was done and routine laboratory investigations and immune profile were performed in both patients and controls, including: RF, ACPA, ANA and anti-ENAs (Ro/SSA, La/SSB, U1-RNP, anti-Jo-1 and anti-Sm). Radiological damage was scored using Sharp/van der Heijde, and disease activity was evaluated by DAS28-ESR and DAS28-CRP. RESULTS: RF was positive in 101 (43.9%), ACPA in 220 (95.7%), ANA in 58 (25.2%), anti Ro in 31 (13.5%), anti-La in 10 (4.3%), anti-Jo1 in 5 (2.2%) and anti-RNP in 2 (0.9%). Anti-Ro/SSA positively correlated with sicca symptoms (p=.02), RF titer (p<.001), ANA (p<.001), DAS28-ESR (p=.026), and DAS28-CRP (p=.003). Anti-La antibodies correlated positively with SJC (p=.001), TJC (p=.001), ANA (p<.001), DAS-28 ESR (p=.007). Anti-Jo-1 correlated positively with interstitial lung disease (ILD) (p≤.001), RF titer (p=.037) and ANA (p≤.001). Anti-RNP antibodies correlated positively with disease duration (p≤.001), ACPA titer (p≤.001) and ANA (p=.014). In the controls ANA was positive in two (2.7%), anti-Ro in three (4%), and none of the controls tested positive for other autoantibodies. CONCLUSIONS: In RA patients, positive ANA is frequent and positively associated with anti-Ro, anti-La and anti-Jo1 autoantibodies. Screening for autoantibodies against other anti-ENAs seems mandatory in RA patients especially when ANA is positive. RA cases with positive Anti-Jo-1 may develop anti synthetase syndrome and ILD.

Pulmonary vasculitis in Hughes-Stovin syndrome (HSS): a reference atlas and computed tomography pulmonary angiography guide-a report by the HSS International Study Group.

INTRODUCTION: Hughes-Stovin syndrome (HSS) is a systemic vasculitis characterized by widespread venous/arterial thrombosis and pulmonary artery aneurysms (PAAs), which is associated with serious morbidity and mortality. All fatalities reported in HSS resulted from unpredictable fatal suffocating hemoptysis. Therefore, it is necessary to recognize pulmonary complications at an early stage of the disease. OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study are to develop a reference atlas of images depicting the characteristic features of HSS by computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA). To make a guide for physicians by developing a classification of PAAs according to the severity and risk of complications associated with each distinct lesion type. METHODS: The Members of the HSS International Study Group (HSSISG) collected 42 cases, with high-quality CTPA images in one radiology station and made reconstructions from the source images. These detailed CTPA studies were reviewed for final image selection and approved by HSSISG board members. We classified these findings according to the clinical course of the patients. RESULTS: This atlas describes the CTPA images that best define the wide spectrum of pulmonary vasculitis observed in HSS. Pulmonary aneurysms were classified into six radiographic patterns: from true stable PAA with adherent in-situ thrombosis to unstable leaking PAA, BAA and/or PAP with loss of aneurysmal wall definition (most prone to rupture), also CTPA images demonstrating right ventricular strain and intracardiac thrombosis. CONCLUSION: The HSSISG reference atlas is a guide for physicians regarding the CTPA radiological findings, essential for early diagnosis and management of HSS-related pulmonary vasculitis. Key Points • The Hughes-Stovin syndrome (HSS) is a systemic vasculitis characterized by extensive vascular thrombosis and pulmonary artery aneurysms (PAAs) that can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. • All fatalities reported in HSS were related to unpredictable massive hemoptysis; therefore, it is critical to recognize pulmonary complications at an early stage of the disease. • The HSS International Study Group reference atlas  classifies pulmonary vasculitis in HSS at 6 different stages of the disease process and defines the different radiological patterns of pulmonary vasculitis notably pulmonary artery aneurysms, as detected by computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA). • The main aim of the classification is to make a guide for physicians about this rare syndrome. Such a scheme has never been reached before since the first description of the syndrome by Hughes and Stovin since 1959. This classification will form the basis for future recommendations regarding diagnosis and treatment of this syndrome.

A critical analysis of 57 cases of Hughes-Stovin syndrome (HSS). A report by the HSS International Study Group (HSSISG).

BACKGROUND: Hughes-Stovin syndrome (HSS) is a systemic disease characterized by widespread vascular thrombosis and pulmonary vasculitis with serious morbidity and mortality. The HSS International Study Group is a multidisciplinary taskforce aiming to study HSS, in order to generate consensus recommendations regarding diagnosis and treatment. METHODS: We included 57 published cases of HSS (43 males) and collected data regarding: clinical presentation, associated complications, hemoptysis severity, laboratory and computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) findings, treatment modalities and cause of death. RESULTS: At initial presentation, DVT was observed in 29(33.3 %), thrombophlebitis in 3(5.3%), hemoptysis in 24(42.1%), and diplopia and seizures in 1 patient each. During the course of disease, DVT occurred in 48(84.2%) patients, and superficial thrombophlebitis was observed in 29(50.9%). Hemoptysis occurred in 53(93.0%) patients and was fatal in 12(21.1%). Pulmonary artery (PA) aneurysms (PAAs) were bilateral in 53(93%) patients. PAA were located within the main PA in 11(19.3%), lobar in 50(87.7%), interlobar in 13(22.8%) and segmental in 42(73.7%). Fatal outcomes were more common in patients with inferior vena cava thrombosis (p = 0.039) and ruptured PAAs (p < 0.001). Death was less common in patients treated with corticosteroids (p < 0.001), cyclophosphamide (p < 0.008), azathioprine (p < 0.008), combined immune modulators (p < 0.001). No patients had uveitis; 6(10.5%) had genital ulcers and 11(19.3%) had oral ulcers. CONCLUSIONS: HSS may lead to serious morbidity and mortality if left untreated. PAAs, adherent in-situ thrombosis and aneurysmal wall enhancement are characteristic CTPA signs of HSS pulmonary vasculitis. Combined immune modulators contribute to favorable outcomes.

Prevalence and predictive value of anti-cyclic citrullinated protein antibodies for future development of rheumatoid arthritis in early undifferentiated arthritis.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence and predictive value of anti-cyclic citrullinated protein (CCP) antibodies as a diagnostic marker for future development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in a cohort of patients presenting with undifferentiated arthritis (UA). The study comprised 69 patients (22 males and 47 females) presenting with UA, and 66 healthy subjects as control group. For all patients the following parameters were assessed: swollen joint count (SJC), tender joint count (TJC), and duration of morning stiffness in minutes. Baseline laboratory investigations included erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) first hour, C-reactive protein (CRP), complete blood count, complete liver and kidney function tests, urine analysis, anti-nuclear antibodies, rheumatoid factor (RF), and anti-CCP antibodies. Positive correlations were observed between anti-CCP versus SJC, TJC (p = 0.001), duration of morning stiffness (p = 0.04), ESR first hour, and bone erosive changes (p = 0.001). Anti-CCP showed sensitivity of 57%, specificity of 37.9%, positive predictive value of 65.1%, and negative predictive value of 39.3%. Sensitivity and positive predictive values of anti-CCP are close to those observed for RF. In patients presenting with UA, anti-CCP antibodies may allow prediction of RA, thereby allowing early individualized therapeutic decisions.

Mycophenolate mofetil for induction and maintenance of remission in naïve patients with granulomatosis with polyangiitis without renal involvement.

Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) associated vasculitides include granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA, previously called Wegener's), microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA), previously called Churg-Strauss). In this report we used mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and steroids to induce and maintain remission in two newly diagnosed cases with c-ANCA associated GPA. The two patients' maintained remission with no disease relapses during one year follow-up.

Antisynthetase syndrome complicating the course of established case with rheumatoid arthritis: A rare and under-recognized overlapping disease.

A 52-year-old male patient developed RA in March 2009 at the age of 43, with symmetric polyarthritis and active synovitis affecting hands, knees, ankles and both feet without symptoms or signs suggestive of extra-articular features. Laboratory investigations showed negative RF and positive anti-CCP antibodies, negative ANA, negative anti-dsDNA antibodies; the X-rays of both hands showed typical erosive changes in RA and fulfilled the new ACR/EULAR (2010) criteria of RA. The patient achieved remission on a combination of DMARDs. He did well until January 2017 when he developed acute onset of progressive chest pain, dyspnea, and acute respiratory failure. High-resolution CT of the lung showed extensive areas of ground glass veiling, and interstitial subpleural infiltrates were found consistent with aggressive interstitial lung disease (ILD). Autoantibodies against extractable nuclear antigens were screened and showed positive results for anti-RO and anti-Jo1 autoantibodies. The positive anti-Jo1was an expression of anti-synthetase syndrome complicating the RA course and explained the rapidly aggressive course of ILD.

Pattern of pulmonary vasculitis and major vascular involvement in Hughes-Stovin syndrome (HSS): brief report of eight cases.

To describe the pattern of pulmonary artery vasculitis and the characteristic computed tomographic pulmonary angiography (CTPA) signs in patients with Hughes-Stovin syndrome (HSS). In a retrospective study, the medical records of eight HSS patients (six men), seen between February 2008 and January 2018, were reviewed regarding history, disease characteristics, laboratory investigations, imaging, and treatments. The mean (SD) age was 37.375 ± 8.65 years (range 30-55) and mean (SD) follow-up 30 ± 41.60 months (range 9-132). In all patients, routine laboratory investigations and complete coagulation profile were done. In all, CTPA studies were performed as well as and Doppler ultrasound for suspected deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Four patients had a history of thrombophlebitis, and DVT was observed in all, in two cases bilateral. Arterial thromboses involving popliteal, tibial, common iliac, and femoral arteries were observed in one patient. All patients had mild to moderate hemoptysis, and one had massive hemoptysis. None of the patients had a history of recurrent mouth and/or genital ulcers, uveitis, or arthritis. In all patients, CTPA identified bilateral pulmonary artery aneurysms (PAAs) with adherent in situ thrombosis and mural enhancement in all patients. Lobar PA branches were involved in all patients, segmental in six and main PA in five patients. Proper immunomodulators were initiated early, with favorable outcome; none was treated with TNF-α antagonists. HSS is a systemic vasculitis that may affect virtually all major veins and arteries in patients with normal coagulation profile. PAAs, adherent in situ thrombosis, and mural wall enhancement are characteristic CTPA signs. Early treatment with immunomodulators is essential.Key Points• Hughes Stevin syndrome (HSS) is a systemic vasculitis that may affect virtually all major veins and arteries in patients. It has a normal coagulation profile.• Computed tomography (CT) pulmonary angiography is considered to be the most important diagnostic tool to assess the degree and the extent of the characteristic pulmonary artery aneurysms, and in situ thrombosis, and mural wall enhancement.• It is likely that HSS syndrome is often not recognized and misdiagnosed as deep venous thrombosis (DVT) with pulmonary thromboembolism.• Early treatment with combined immunomodulators is essential to ensure favorable outcome.

Guillain-Barré Syndrome Associated With Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Detection and Coronavirus Disease 2019 in a Child.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is caused by infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Physicians in China reported what is believed to be the first adult case of a SARS-CoV-2 infection associated with acute Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), followed by 5 adult Italian patients and another case in the United States. In the current report, we present one of the first descriptions of an association of GBS and SARS-CoV-2 infection in a child. In our facility, an 11-year-old boy presented with typical features of GBS and, after 5 days, a morbilliform skin rash over the palms of both hands. Three weeks before the start of the neurological symptoms, the boy had experienced an episode of mild febrile illness with mild respiratory manifestations and a persistent cough. The diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection was confirmed by oropharyngeal swab on reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction assay. The disease course of our patient strongly suggests a possible relationship between the development of GBS and SARS-CoV-2 infection. The case is discussed in view of previous case reports regarding the association of GBS and COVID-19.