Seminars in arthritis and rheumatism
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Semin. Arthritis Rheum. · Feb 2005
Clinical and magnetic resonance imaging manifestations of neurosarcoidosis.
To describe clinical and neuroimaging manifestations of neurosarcoidosis in a cohort of 21 patients. ⋯ Optimum management of patients with neurosarcoidosis relies on the ability of clinicians to recognize the broad spectrum of clinical and neuroimaging manifestations of the disorder.
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Semin. Arthritis Rheum. · Dec 2004
Review Case ReportsMycobacterium chelonae tenosynovitis of the hand.
Tenosynovitis of the hand due to atypical mycobacteria is an uncommon condition. We present a case of tenosynovitis of the hand due to Mycobacterium chelonae in a patient without a recognized penetrating injury, who was treated successfully with clarithromycin and antituberculous medications and without debridement. We reviewed the available literature to summarize the experience with this infectious entity. ⋯ Musculoskeletal infections by nontuberculous mycobacteria are clinically indistinguishable from those of tuberculosis and diagnosis is usually delayed. Prompt diagnosis of atypical mycobacteria with appropriate antimicrobial treatment may avoid the need for surgical debridement. Relevance We recommend a trial of antibiotics for M. chelonae before surgical debridement.
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Semin. Arthritis Rheum. · Feb 2004
Clusters of clinical and immunologic features in systemic lupus erythematosus: analysis of 600 patients from a single center.
To analyze the prevalence and characteristics of the main clinical, hematologic, and immunologic manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in a cohort of 600 consecutive patients from a single center, and to determine the specific characteristics of organ involvement in a homogeneous SLE population. ⋯ This large study, performed in a single center, has shown cluster associations between certain clinical, hematologic, and immunologic features of SLE, reflecting specific patterns of disease expression. The accurate evaluation of clinical features and laboratory markers at disease diagnosis and during evolution may improve the clinical treatment of SLE patients.
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Semin. Arthritis Rheum. · Aug 2003
Hematologic malignancies in patients with cryoglobulinemia: association with autoimmune and chronic viral diseases.
To determine the prevalence and clinical characteristics of hematologic malignancies occurring in a large series of patients diagnosed with cryoglobulinemia, and to study their association and overlap with autoimmune and/or chronic viral diseases. ⋯ Hematologic neoplasia associated with cryoglobulinemia is defined by a clear predominance of lymphoproliferative disorders (mainly non-Hodgkin lymphoma), with substantial extranodal involvement and an elevated presence of immunologic markers. HCV infection is the main etiologic factor associated with hematologic malignancies in patients with cryoglobulinemia, followed by specific systemic autoimmune diseases such as Sjögren syndrome and systemic lupus erythematosus, highlighting the close relationship between lymphoproliferation, autoimmunity, and viruses.
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Semin. Arthritis Rheum. · Jun 2003
Comparative StudyUse of the leeds assessment of neuropathic symptoms and signs questionnaire in patients with fibromyalgia.
Neuropathic pain syndrome is characterized by chronic, stimulus-independent pain sensation accompanied by hyperalgesia/allodynia and paresthesia. Fibromyalgia (FM) syndrome displays such features. The Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs (LANSS) Pain Scale is an instrument developed and validated to recognize neuropathic pain and set it apart from nociceptive pain. ⋯ The LANSS Pain Scale items may become a useful, easily applied bedside test to differentiate FM pain from the nociceptive pain present in RA and in similar arthritic illnesses.