Rheumatic diseases clinics of North America
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The findings on magnetic resonance imaging in various types of spinal infection are described, including disc space infection and osteomyelitis, epidural abscess, paraspinal abscesses, and meningitis. The characteristic appearance of spinal infection on both plain and gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance is contrasted with that of the normal spine.
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Magnetic resonance imaging is an effective means for evaluating the painful shoulder. It has been shown to display accurately pathology associated with impingement syndrome and is useful in the detection of tears of the glenoid labrum. The role of magnetic resonance imaging in evaluation of synovial pathology has not yet been defined. Additional work is needed in this area.
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Erythema migrans is the distinctive cutaneous marker of Lyme borreliosis. The clinical picture is variable but at some point in its evolution, erythema migrans presents as a red, centrifugally expanding, annular plaque. ⋯ The diagnosis of erythema migrans is based primarily on clinical findings because serologic tests to detect elevated antibody levels to Borrelia burgdorferi are frequently negative during the first few weeks of the illness. Identification of Borrelia burgdorferi from skin biopsy specimens obtained from erythema migrans lesions microbiologically or histopathologically will confirm the clinical diagnosis of erythema migrans.
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Chronic diffuse myalgia, localized areas of tenderness, fatigue, and unrefreshing sleep are related to a physiologic arousal disorder within sleep, that is, the alpha EEG NREM sleep anomaly. This sleep physiologic disorder, nonrestorative sleep, and symptoms of fibrositis syndrome are shown to occur with psychologic, environmental, and physiologic distress conditions. Pathogenic mechanisms that link nonrestorative sleep physiology to pain and fatigue may involve metabolic dysfunction of the brain with sleep-related alteration in immunologic and neurotransmitter functions (serotonin, substance P, endorphins). These sleep-related mechanisms have important implications for the understanding and treatment of fibrositis/fibromyalgia syndrome.
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Rheum. Dis. Clin. North Am. · Feb 1989
ReviewEvaluation and differential diagnosis of fibromyalgia. Approach to diagnosis and management.
The combination of widespread musculoskeletal pain, high tender point count, and nonrestorative sleep are sufficient criteria for the diagnosis of fibromyalgia. The condition is primary in the absence of underlying disease and is considered concomitant or secondary when closely associated with another organic disease. ⋯ In addition to general and rheumatic history and physical examination and selected laboratory studies, careful attention to defining any existing sleep and mood disturbances is important in designing a management program. Although 46 medical conditions have been associated with fibromyalgia, a practical differential diagnostic list included polymyalgia rheumatica, myofascial pain, connective tissue disease, endocrine myopathies, psychoneuroses, and other chronic fatigue syndromes.