Seminars in arthritis and rheumatism
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Semin. Arthritis Rheum. · Oct 2012
ReviewMagnetic resonance imaging of subchondral bone marrow lesions in association with osteoarthritis.
This nonsystematic literature review provides an overview of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of subchondral bone marrow lesions (BMLs) in association with osteoarthritis (OA), with particular attention to the selection of MRI sequences and semiquantitative scoring systems, characteristic morphology, and differential diagnosis. Histologic basis, natural history, and clinical significance are also briefly discussed. ⋯ Subchondral BMLs are a common imaging feature of OA with clinical significance and typical signal alteration patterns, which can be assessed and graded by semiquantitative scoring systems using sensitive MRI sequences.
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Semin. Arthritis Rheum. · Jun 2012
Registry of the Spanish network for systemic sclerosis: clinical pattern according to cutaneous subsets and immunological status.
To investigate the incidence of clinical and immunological characteristics of a large cohort of Spanish patients with scleroderma (SSc) and identifying factors associated with particular organ manifestations assessed by a nationwide cross-sectional analysis. ⋯ The classification of SSc into dcSSc, lcSSc, and ssSSc subsets is the one that most closely reflects the natural history of the disease, as they presented clear clinical differences. The immunological profile helps to define important visceral alteration as ILD. Finally, to improve early diagnosis of SSc, patients with preSSc should be considered both to trace the true evolution of the disease and to define which patients could benefit from therapeutic measures able to prevent the appearance of visceral involvements.
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Semin. Arthritis Rheum. · Feb 2012
ReviewPsychological factors affecting the outcome of total hip and knee arthroplasty: a systematic review.
Recently, numerous studies have reported that psychological factors can influence the outcome of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, a systematic overview is missing. The objective of this study was to examine which psychological factors influence the outcome of TKA and THA and to what extent. ⋯ Low preoperative mental health and pain catastrophizing have an influence on outcome after TKA. With regard to the influence of other psychological factors and for hip patients, only limited, conflicting, or no evidence was found.
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Semin. Arthritis Rheum. · Feb 2012
ReviewCentral sensitization in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic literature review.
The goal of the present study is to systematically review the scientific literature addressing central sensitization and central nociceptive processing in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). ⋯ The symmetrical manifestation of the disease, the poor relation between disease activity and symptoms, and the generalized hyperalgesia at both articular and nonarticular sites for different kinds of stimuli are indicative of the presence of central sensitization in RA patients. Further research is required to provide firm evidence in support of various aspects of central sensitization in humans with RA.