Cutaneous mucinosis in mixed connective tissue disease.

Cutaneous mucinosis is a group of conditions involving an accumulation of mucin or glycosaminoglycan in the skin and its annexes. It is described in some connective tissue diseases but never in association with mixed connective tissue disease. This report concerns two cases of cutaneous mucinosis in patients with mixed connective tissue disease in remission; one patient presented the papular form, and the other reticular erythematous mucinosis. These are the first cases of mucinosis described in mixed connective tissue disease. Both cases had skin lesions with no other clinical or laboratorial manifestations, with clinical response to azathioprine in one, and to an association of chloroquine and prednisone in the other.

Cutaneous mucinosis in mixed connective tissue disease* / Mucinose cutanea na doenca mista do tecido conjuntivo

Cutaneous mucinosis is a group of conditions involving an accumulation of mucin or glycosaminoglycan in the skin and its annexes. It is described in some connective tissue diseases but never in association with mixed connective tissue disease. This report concerns two cases of cutaneous mucinosis in patients with mixed connective tissue disease in remission; one patient presented the papular form, and the other reticular erythematous mucinosis. These are the first cases of mucinosis described in mixed connective tissue disease. Both cases had skin lesions with no other clinical or laboratorial manifestations, with clinical response to azathioprine in one, and to an association of chloroquine and prednisone in the other.

A mucinose cutânea é um grupo de condições em que há um acúmulo de mucina ou glicosaminoglicanos na pele e seus anexos. É descrita em algumas doenças do tecido conjuntivo, porem nunca em associação com doença mista do tecido conjuntivo. Relatamos dois casos de mucinose cutânea em pacientes com doença mista do tecido conjuntivo em remissão, um apresentava-se sob a forma papular e outro sob a forma reticular eritematosa de mucinose. Estes são os primeiros casos de mucinose descritos na doença mista do tecido conjuntivo. Ambos os casos apresentaram o quadro cutâneo de modo isolado, sem nenhuma outra manifestação clínico-laboratorial, havendo resposta à azatioprina em um e à cloroquina associada a prednisona no outro.

Association of arterial events with the coexistence of metabolic syndrome and primary antiphospholipid syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is highly prevalent in rheumatic diseases and is recognized as a new independent cardiovascular risk factor. This study was undertaken to determine the clinical significance of MetS in patients with primary antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). METHODS: Seventy-one primary APS patients and 73 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were included. Serum samples were tested for lipid profile, Lp(a), glucose, insulin, thyroid-stimulating hormone, free T4, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein level, and uric acid. MetS was defined by the International Diabetes Federation criteria, and insulin resistance was established using the homeostasis model assessment index. RESULTS: The prevalence of MetS was 33.8%, and further comparison between primary APS patients with and without MetS revealed that the former had a higher frequency of arterial events (79.2% versus 42.6%; P = 0.003), angina (29.2% versus 2.1%; P = 0.002), and positive lupus anticoagulant antibody (95.8% versus 76.6%; P = 0.049). In addition, primary APS patients with MetS, as expected, had a higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors. On multivariate analysis, only MetS was independently associated with arterial events in primary APS. CONCLUSION: Coexistence of primary APS and MetS seems to identify a subgroup of patients with higher risk of arterial events, suggesting that MetS may aggravate existing endothelial abnormalities of primary APS.

Clinical and laboratory evaluation of patients with primary antiphospholipid syndrome according to the frequency of antinuclear antibodies (ANA Hep-2).

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the frequency of clinical and laboratory manifestations in patients with primary antiphospholipid syndrome (PAPS) with positive antinuclear antibodies (ANA Hep-2+) compared to those in whom this antibody is negative (ANA Hep-2-). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a transversal study with 58 patients (82.8% females) with PAPS. Demographic and clinical data, comorbidities, medications, and antiphospholipid antibodies were evaluated. RESULTS: Twenty (34.5%) out of 58 patients were positive for ANA Hep-2. Comparing the group of patients ANA Hep-2+ with those that were ANA Hep-2-, it was observed that both groups of patients with APS did not show statistically significant differences regarding demographic data, as well as the duration of the disease. As for clinical and laboratorial manifestations, the ANA Hep-2+ group showed higher frequency of deep venous thrombosis (85 versus 52.6%, P = 0.04), a statistically higher frequency of anticardiolipin IgG (85 versus 52.6%, P = 0.02), and a tendency for anticardiolipin IgM (80% versus 52.6%, P = 0.05), as well as greater medians of those antibodies [33 (0-128) versus 20 (0-120) GPL, P = 0.008] and [33 (0-120) versus 18,5 (0-120) MPL, P = 0.009]. Such difference was not observed regarding other manifestations of APS, presence of comorbidities, lifestyle, and medications used. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with PAPS with ANA Hep-2+ have a higher frequency of deep venous thrombosis and anticardiolipin IgG and IgM.

Avaliação clínico-laboratorial de pacientes com síndrome antifosfolípide primária segundo a frequência de anticorpos antinucleares (FAN Hep-2) / Clinical and laboratory evaluation of patients with primary antiphospholipid syndrome according to the frequency of antinuclear antibodies (ANA Hep-2)

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a frequência de manifestações clínicas e laboratoriais em pacientes com síndrome antifosfolípide primária (SAFP) com anticorpos antinucleares positivos (FAN Hep-2+), comparados àqueles com esses anticorpos negativos (FAN Hep-2 -). PACIENTES E MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal em 58 pacientes (82,8 por cento mulheres) com SAFP. Foram avaliados os dados demográficos, clínicos, comorbidades, medicações e anticorpos antifosfolípides. RESULTADOS: Dos 58 pacientes incluídos no estudo, vinte (34,5 por cento) apresentaram presença de FAN Hep-2. Comparando-se o grupo de pacientes FAN Hep-2+ com aqueles FAN Hep-2 -, verificou-se que ambos os grupos de pacientes com SAFP não diferiram estatisticamente em relação aos dados demográficos, bem como em relação ao tempo de doença. Em relação às manifestações clínicas e laboratoriais, o grupo com FAN Hep-2 + apresentou maior frequência de trombose venosa profunda (85 versus 52,6 por cento, P = 0,04), uma frequência estatística e significativamente maior de anticardiolipina IgG (85 versus 52,6 por cento, P = 0,02) e uma tendência para anticardiolipina IgM (80 por cento versus 52,6 por cento, P = 0,05), bem como maiores medianas desses anticorpos [33 (0-128) versus 20 (0-120) GPL, P = 0,008] e [33 (0-120) versus 18,5 (0-120) MPL, P = 0,009]. Tal diferença não foi observada no que se refere a outras manifestações da SAF, presença de comorbidades, estilo de vida e uso de medicações. CONCLUSÃO: Pacientes com SAFP que apresentam FAN Hep-2+ têm maior frequência de trombose venosa profunda e anticardiolipinas IgG e IgM.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the frequency of clinical and laboratory manifestations in patients with primary antiphospholipid syndrome (PAPS) with positive antinuclear antibodies (ANA Hep-2+) compared to those in whom this antibody is negative (ANA Hep-2-). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a transversal study with 58 patients (82.8 percent females) with PAPS. Demographic and clinical data, comorbidities, medications, and antiphospholipid antibodies were evaluated. RESULTS: Twenty (34.5 percent) out of 58 patients were positive for ANA Hep-2. Comparing the group of patients ANA Hep-2+ with those that were ANA Hep-2-, it was observed that both groups of patients with APS did not show statistically significant differences regarding demographic data, as well as the duration of the disease. As for clinical and laboratorial manifestations, the ANA Hep-2+ group showed higher frequency of deep venous thrombosis (85 versus 52.6 percent, P = 0.04), a statistically higher frequency of anticardiolipin IgG (85 versus 52.6 percent, P = 0.02), and a tendency for anticardiolipin IgM (80 percent versus 52.6 percent, P = 0.05), as well as greater medians of those antibodies [33 (0-128) versus 20 (0-120) GPL, P = 0.008] and [33 (0-120) versus 18,5 (0-120) MPL, P = 0.009]. Such difference was not observed regarding other manifestations of APS, presence of comorbidities, lifestyle, and medications used. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with PAPS with ANA Hep-2+ have a higher frequency of deep venous thrombosis and anticardiolipin IgG and IgM.

Primary antiphospholipid syndrome and thyroid involvement.

BACKGROUND: Data on thyroid involvement in primary antiphospholipid syndrome are scarce and inconclusive. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of thyroid dysfunction and antibodies in patients with primary antiphospholipid syndrome (PAPS) and the association of these alterations with clinical and immunologic features. METHODS: The study group included 50 PAPS patients (44 females) with a mean age of 39.7 +/- 11.5 years and mean disease duration of 77.3 +/- 63.5 months. Clinical data related to thyroid dysfunction and PAPS were obtained by chart review, patient interview, and clinical examination. Serum levels of TSH, free T4, antithyroglobulin antibody (TgAb), antithyroperoxidase antibody (TPOAb), thyroid receptor antibody (TRAb), and antiphospholipid autoantibodies were analyzed by standard techniques. RESULTS: We found no hyperthyroidism among patients and found 22% (11 patients) with hypothyroidism in this sample. There were no differences between the latter patients and the euthyroid group about demographic findings, disease duration, thrombotic or obstetric events, and frequency of antiphospholipid antibodies as well as prevalence of thyroid auto antibodies. The prevalence of thyroid autoantibodies found was 6 patients (12%) with TgAb, 5 with TPOAb (10%), and 2 patients (4%) with both TgAb and TPOAb, comprising 18% of positivity of at least one of the auto antibodies. CONCLUSION: Hypothyroidism is present among 22% of PAPS patients and thyroid autoantibodies in 18% of them. These findings suggest a common pathophysiologic mechanism between antiphospholipid syndrome and autoimmune thyroid diseases.

Eritema pérnio na faixa etária pediátrica / Chilblains in pediatrics

Os autores apresentam 5 casos com eritema pérnio da população de 5079 pacientes acompanhados na Unidade de Reumatologia Pediátrica doInstituto da Criança por um período consecutivo de 25 anos. Destes, 4 eram primários e um secundário ao lúpus eritematoso sistêmico juvenil. Todos apresentaram lesões cutâneas com acometimento de extremidades associadas às baixas temperaturas ambientais. O tratamento principal foi orientação de aquecimento das extremidades, utilização de luvas e meias e uso de nifedipina nos casos refratários.

The authors show 5 cases with chilblains from the populations of 5079 patients followed in the Pediatric Rheumatology Unity of the Instituto da Criança for a consecutive a period of 25 years. From these, 4 were primary and one was secondary to juvenile systemic lupus erytematosus. All of them had cutaneous lesions with involvement of extremities, associated at low environmental temperature. The main treatment was the orientation with warming of the extremities, utilization of gloves and socks, and nifedipine in the refractory cases...

Hyperhomocysteinemia and primary antiphospholipid syndrome / Hiper-homocisteinemia e síndrome antifosfolípide primária

OBJETIVOS: Investigar a prevalência de hiper-homocisteinemia e suas possíveis associações clínicas e laboratoriais em pacientes com síndrome antifosfolípide primária (SAFP). PACIENTES E MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal de 27 pacientes (88% mulheres) com SAFP (critérios de Sapporo). Foram avaliados dados demográficos, clínicos, comorbidades, medicações, anticorpos antifosfolípides, colhendo-se uma amostra de sangue para dosagem da homocisteína, pela técnica de cromatografia líquida de alta resolução. RESULTADOS: Seis (22%) dos 27 pacientes apresentaram níveis de homocisteinemia acima dos valores normais (98,7 ± 8,9 versus 8,0 ± 2,9 »M, P = 0,0008). Comparando-se o grupo de pacientes com hiper-homocisteinemia com aquele que apresentava níveis normais, verificou-se que ambos os grupos de pacientes com SAFP não diferiram estatisticamente em relação aos dados demográficos (idade, cor branca, peso, altura e índice de massa corporal), bem como ao tempo de duração de doença (64 ± 39,6 versus 77,9 ± 61,3 meses, P = 0,32). Nenhum dos grupos apresentou diferenças quanto às manifestações da doença (eventos arteriais, venosos e obstétricos, trombose venosa profunda, tromboembolismo pulmonar, plaquetopenia, infarto agudo do miocárdio, angina e acidente vascular cerebral), comorbidades (hipertensão arterial e dislipidemia), ao estilo de vida (atividade física e tabagismos atual e pregresso), bem como ao uso de medicações (corticoide atual e pregresso, estatina, cloroquina e ácido acetilsalicílico). A prevalência e os títulos de anticorpos anticardiolipina foram semelhantes em ambos os grupos. CONCLUSÃO: A hiper-homocisteinemia pode ser detectada em cerca de um quarto da população com SAFP, sem associação com características distintivas clínicas e laboratoriais dessa doença.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia and its possible clinical and laboratorial associations in patients with primary antiphospholipid syndrome (PAPS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a transversal study with 27 patients (88 percent women) with PAPS (Sapporo criteria). Demographic and clinical data, as well as comorbidities, medications, antiphospholipid antibodies, and blood concentrations of homocysteine, measured by high resolution liquid chromatography, were evaluated. RESULTS: Six (22 percent) out of 27 patients had high levels of homocysteine (98.7 ± 8.9 versus 8.0 ± 2.9 »M, P = 0.0008). Comparison between the group of patients with hyperhomocysteinemia and the group of patients with normal serum homocysteine levels did not show differences in the demographic data (age, white, weight, height, and body mass index) or in the duration of the disease (64 ± 39.6 versus 77.9 ± 61.3 months, P = 0.32). Differences in disease manifestations (arterial, venous, and obstetric events, deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary thromboembolism, thrombocytopenia, acute myocardial infarction, angina, and stroke), comorbidities (hypertension and hyperlipidemia), life style (physical activity, past and present smoking), as well as the use of medications (past and present use of corticosteroids, statins, chloroquine, and acetylsalicylic acid), were not observed between both groups. The prevalence and titers of anticardiolipin antibodies were similar in both groups of patients. CONCLUSION: Hyperhomocysteinemia can be detected in approximately one fourth of the PAPS patients, and it is not associated with distinct clinical and laboratorial characteristics of this disorder.

Lipoprotein(a) in primary antiphospholipid syndrome / Lipoproteína(a) na síndrome antifosfolípide primária

OBJETIVO: Avaliar níveis de lipoproteína(a) em pacientes com síndrome antifosfolípide primária (SAFP) e suas possíveis associações clínicas e laboratoriais. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal de 46 pacientes (93,5 por cento do sexo feminino) com SAFP (critérios de Sapporo). Foram avaliados os dados demográficos e clínicos, medicações, anticorpos antifosfolípides, além da medida dos níveis séricos em jejum da lipoproteína(a). RESULTADOS: Os níveis de lipoproteína(a) ( > 30 mg/dL) foram vistos em 43,5 por cento dos pacientes com SAFP, com média de 42 ± 43,5 mg/dL. Comparando-se o grupo com níveis maiores que 30 mg/dL com o grupo de pacientes com níveis menores ou iguais a este valor, não foram observadas diferenças significativas em relação a dados demográficos (idade, sexo, cor branca, peso, altura e índice de massa corporal), manifestações da doença (eventos arteriais, venosos, obstétricos, plaquetopenia), eventos cardiovasculares (infarto agudo do miocárdio, angina, acidente vascular cerebral), comorbidades, estilo de vida (atividade física, tabagismo atual e pregresso), uso de medicações (corticoide atual e pregresso, estatina, cloroquina), bem como à frequência de positividade de anticorpos antifosfolípides. CONCLUSÃO: Pacientes com SAFP apresentam uma frequência elevada de níveis aumentados de lipoproteína(a). Entretanto, nenhuma associação dessa anormalidade com as variáveis clínicas e laboratoriais estudadas foi encontrada.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate levels of lipoprotein(a) in patients with primary antiphospholipid syndrome (PAPS) and its possible associations with clinical and laboratory features. METHODS: Transversal study with 46 (93.5 percent female) PAPS patients (Sapporo criteria). Demographic, clinical, drugs use, and antiphospholipid antibodies data were evaluated, as well as measurements of lipoprotein(a) serum fasting levels. RESULTS: Elevated levels of lipoprotein(a) ( > 30 mg/dL) were observed in 43.5 percent of PAPS patients, with a mean of 42 ± 43.5 mg/dL. A comparison between patients with lipoprotein(a) higher than 30 mg/dL and those with < 30 mg/dL did not show any differences regarding demographics (age, gender, white race, weight, height, body mass index), diseases features (arterial, venous or obstetric events, thrombocytopenia), cardiovascular manifestations (acute myocardial infarct, angina, stroke), comorbidities, life style (physical activity, smoking), drugs use (corticosteroids, statins, chloroquine), as well as the frequency of positivity of antiphospholipid antibodies. CONCLUSION: PAPS patients had a high frequency of increased levels of lipoprotein(a), however there was no association of this abnormality with the clinical and laboratorial features herein studied.

Catatonia: manifestação rara na doença mista do tecido conjuntivo / Catatonia: a rare manifestation in the mixed connective tissue disease

A doença mista do tecido conjuntivo (DMTC) é uma síndrome de superposição de lúpus eritematoso sistêmico, esclerose sistêmica e polimiosite. Na DMTC, 10 a 55 por cento dos pacientes apresentam manifestações neuropsiquiátricas, principalmente nas formas de neuropatia de trigêmeo e meningite asséptica. Psicose é descrita, apresentando-se em todos os relatos sob a forma paranóide. Os autores descrevem o caso de uma paciente com diagnóstico estabelecido de DMTC segundo os critérios de Kasuakawa et al., com acometimento predominantemente miopático e altos títulos de RNP (1:50.000) que, após um ano de tratamento com resultados satisfatórios, apresentou quadro de alucinações visuais e auditivas com delírio paranóide que rapidamente evoluiu para estupor catatônico. De acordo com a revisão de literatura, essa manifestação neuropsiquiátrica até então não era descrita na doença mista do tecido conjuntivo

Doença de Kikuchi-Fujimoto associada a doença mista do tecido conjuntivo: relato de caso / Kikuchi-Fujimoto's disease associated with mixed connective tissue disease: case report

Relata-se caso de paciente jovem masculino com história de poliartrite, fenômeno de Raynaud, linfadenopatia, emagrecimento, febre, quadro cutâneo, anemia, leucopenia, linfopenia, anticorpo anti-RNP, miosite e padräo pulmonar intersticial com restriçäo, sugerindo o diagnóstico de doença mista do tecido conjuntivo (DMTC). O padräo histológico da biópsia ganglionar foi compatível com linfadenite histiocítica necrosante (doença de Kikuchi-Fujimoto), o que revela uma rara associaçäo. Essa entidade clínico-patológica é caracterizada por linfadenopatia cervical localizada e febre, que acomete principalmente mulheres jovens antes dos 30 anos. A etiologia é desconhecida. As culturas säo negativas, bem como os marcadores de auto-imunidade quando síndrome primária. Trata-se de condiçäo benigna e autolimitada, sem terapêutica específica com remissäo em até seis meses. Os autores apresentam a associaçäo de doença de Kikuchi com DMTC e descrevem revisäo de alteraçöes reumatológicas auto-imunes

Contribuicao diagnostica e evolucao dos conhecimentos na capilaroscopia periungueal em reumatologia / Diagnostic contribution and current concepts in nailfold capillary microscopy in rheumatology

A capilaroscopia periungueal foi recentemente introduzida em nosso meio, embora bastante utilizada no exterior para diagnostico precoce de algumas doencas do colageno. Tem grande utilidade em pacientes que apresentam fenomeno de Raynaud, contribuindo muito para predizer o aparecimento de conectivopatias nesses pacientes, em especial quando associada a presenca de auto-anticorpos. Nos pacientes com suspeita de dermatomiosite, esclerose sistemica progressiva ou doenca mista do tecido conectivo, o achado de alteracoes descritas como padrao SD contribui para o diagnostico precoce, com grande beneficio para o doente

Síndrome de Sweet associada à doença reumatóide e mal de Hansen / Sweet's syndrome associated with rheumatoid arthritis and leprosy

Os autores relatam um caso de síndrome de Sweet (SS) ou dermatite neutrofílica febril aguda em uma paciente com doença reumatóide havia 13 anos e posterior diagnóstico de mal de Hansen. O diagnóstco de SS foi realizado a partir do quadro clínico, laboratorial e histopatológico. A mudança de forma paucibacilar (forma indeterminada) para multibacilar do mal de Hansen é sugerida como fator desencadeante da síndrome. Discutem-se as manifestaçöes clínicas, laboratoriais, histopatológicas, patogênese e terapêutica da SS