Rheumatology international
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The onset of tuberculous spondylitis is insidious in nature, with various clinical presentations, slow development of radiographic abnormalities, and nonspecific constitutional symptoms. This lack of specific symptoms causes delays in diagnosis. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrates osteitis, intraosseous abscesses, paravertebral and epidural soft tissue extensions and abscesses, discitis, multilevel involvement of spinal cord or nerve root compression, and scoliosis. ⋯ All the patients recovered without any sequelae. The mean follow-up period was 28 months (range 12-48). Magnetic resonance imaging is considered the main imaging modality for patients with suspected tuberculous spondylitis; it must be included in differential diagnosis of back pain and, if it is diagnosed in early stages, antituberculous chemotherapy enables satisfactory outcome.
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Letter Case Reports
When you hear hooves, don't forget zebras along with the horses.
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Fibromyalgia syndrome (FS) is characterized by widespread pain and tenderness at specific anatomic sites. Different theories have been proposed in the etiopathogenesis of this syndrome, and besides genetic, neuroendocrine, psychologic, and traumatic causes, infections have also been reported. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the presence of FS in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. ⋯ Besides various extrahepatic features, musculoskeletal disorders including fibromyalgia might be expected in the progression of HCV infection. Detailed examination of the patients helps to differentiate FS from other musculoskeletal complications of HCV infection. This will provide appropriate management approaches and better quality of life for them.
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Pulmonary vascular endothelium damage in 34 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) was measured by technetium-99m hexamethylpropylene amine oxime (Tc-99m HMPAO) lung scan. The degree of damage was represented as lung/liver uptake (L/L) ratio. ⋯ The results show (a) no significant statistical differences in the degree of pulmonary vascular endothelium damage (the L/L ratio on Tc-99m HMPAO lung scan) between the two subgroups according to clinical features or chest X-ray findings and (b) no good correlation between the degree of pulmonary vascular endothelium damage and lung inflammation (GUI on Ga-67 lung scan). In conclusion, the change in pulmonary vascular endothelium damage in SLE may be unrelated to the clinical presentation or chest X-ray findings, and its degree is not related to the severity of pulmonary inflammation.
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The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of fibromyalgia (FM) in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). ⋯ Fibromyalgia is a common finding in patients with types 1 and 2 diabetes, and its prevalence could be related to control of the disease. As with other diabetes complications, FM might be prevented by improved control of blood glucose levels.