J Rheumatol
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Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a life-threatening complication of connective tissue diseases (CTD). Our aim was to compare the diagnostic utility of noninvasive imaging modalities, i.e., magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and echocardiography, in evaluation of these patients. ⋯ In patients with CTD and suspected PAH, cardiac MRI and echocardiography have greater diagnostic utility than CT in the assessment of patients with suspected PAH, and MRI has prognostic value.
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A prospective observational study of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) treatment in patients with diffuse progressive cutaneous systemic sclerosis (SSc) of recent onset. ⋯ Patients with diffuse progressive cutaneous SSc of recent onset treated with MMF experienced marked improvement in skin involvement and stabilization of pulmonary function. Skin biopsies from 3 patients demonstrated histopathological improvement and decreased expression of fibrosis-related genes.
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Independent replication with large cohorts and metaanalysis of genetic associations are necessary to validate genetic susceptibility factors. The known tumor necrosis factor (ligand) superfamily, member 4 gene (TNFSF4) systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) risk locus has been found to be associated with systemic sclerosis (SSc) in 2 studies, but with discrepancies between them for genotype-phenotype correlation. Our objective was to validate TNFSF4 association with SSc and determine the subset with the higher risk. ⋯ We confirm TNFSF4 as an SSc susceptibility gene and rs2205960 as a putative causal variant with preferential association in the ACA+ SSc subphenotype.
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Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common debilitating autoimmune disease, with unmet need for knowledge among patients and the general population. YouTube is a popular, consumer-generated, video-sharing website, which can be a source of information on RA. We investigated the quality of information on RA on YouTube and analyzed audience interaction. ⋯ YouTube is a source of information on RA, of variable quality, with wide viewership and potential to influence patients' knowledge and behavior. Physicians and professional organizations should be aware of and embrace this evolving technology to raise awareness about RA, and empower patients to discriminate useful from misleading information.