Hoopercullen8606

The risk of clinically manifested major cardiovascular (CV) events in primary Sjögren syndrome (pSS) remains unclear. This study aimed to assess myocardial fibrosis in pSS and investigate the associated disease characteristics by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI).

We performed a cross-sectional study of patients with pSS without cardiac symptoms. Labial gland biopsy was documented in 44 patients (85%). Ki20227 manufacturer Patients without CV risk factors underwent contrast-enhanced cMRI. Late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) was used to assess myocardial fibrosis. Myocardial edema was assessed using T2-weighted imaging (T2WI). We compared the left ventricular (LV) geometry and function between the groups with and without LGE. Further, we explored the associations of cMRI abnormalities with pSS characteristics.

Fifty-two women with pSS (median age 55, IQR 47.0-65.7 yrs) were enrolled in the study. LGE was observed in 10 patients (19%), two of whom showed high intensity on T2WI. High intensity on T2WI was observed in 3 patients (5.8%). LV mass index and LV mass/end-diastolic volume tended to be higher in the LGE-positive group than in the LGE-negative group (

= 0.078 and 0.093, respectively). Salivary gland focus score (FS) ≥ 3 was independently associated with LGE-positive in the multivariable analysis (OR 11.21, 95% CI 1.18-106.80).

Subclinical myocardial fibrosis, as detected by cMRI, was frequent in patients with pSS without cardiac symptoms. Abnormal cMRI findings were associated with salivary gland FS ≥ 3.

Subclinical myocardial fibrosis, as detected by cMRI, was frequent in patients with pSS without cardiac symptoms. Abnormal cMRI findings were associated with salivary gland FS ≥ 3.

Widespread pain in fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is conventionally viewed as arising from disordered central processing. This study examines intramuscular pressure in the trapezius as an alternative mechanism for understanding FMS pain.

One hundred eight patients who satisfied the American College of Rheumatology criteria for FMS and 30 patients who met the ACR criteria for another rheumatic disease comprised the study groups. Muscle pressure was measured in mmHg using a pressure gauge attached to a no. 22 needle inserted into the midportion of the trapezius muscle. In addition, patients with FMS and rheumatic disease controls had dolorimetry testing, digital palpation, and reported pain scores.

Muscle pressure was substantially higher in patients with FMS with a mean value of 33.48 ± 5.90 mmHg. Only 2 of 108 patients had muscle pressure of < 23 mmHg. The mean pressure in rheumatic disease controls was 12.23 ± 3.75 mmHg, with a range from 3-22 mmHg. Patients with FMS were more tender than controls basereduction of muscle pressure may change the clinical picture significantly.

The purpose of this study was (1) to assess the interreader reliability in detecting and scoring the inflammatory bone lesions in pediatric patients with chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis (CNO) by using whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (WB-MRI), and (2) to evaluate the responsiveness of the MRI-detected CNO lesions to pamidronate therapy.

Eighty-eight WB-MRI examinations were independently reviewed and scored by 2 radiologists blinded to clinical details in 32 retrospectively enrolled pediatric patients with CNO. Inflammatory bone lesions, soft tissue abnormality, and bony structural changes were scored before and after pamidronate therapy. Lesion responsiveness was calculated by using standardized response mean and interreader reliability was assessed by k statistics.

There was good to excellent interreader agreement for the detection and quantification of bone lesions. After the first cycle of pamidronate in all 32 patients, 96 of the 279 lesions (34%; after excluding 108 lesions of hand and feet) resolved, whereas in a subset of 11 patients with 2 or more cycles, 76% of lesions resolved after the second cycle. Twenty-one (7.5%) lesions worsened and 46 (16.4%) new lesions developed after 1 cycle in all 32 patients. In these 11 patients, the number of worsened lesions reduced to 2 (2%) and new lesions to 14 (14.9%) after the second cycle as detected on MRI. Vertebral lesions had the highest response to treatment.

WB-MRI is a reliable tool for objective quantification and assessment of response to treatment of pediatric CNO bone lesions and could be used to monitor disease activity for clinical and research purposes.

WB-MRI is a reliable tool for objective quantification and assessment of response to treatment of pediatric CNO bone lesions and could be used to monitor disease activity for clinical and research purposes.

To evaluate attitudes and behaviors of patients with rheumatic diseases during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

An online survey delivered by text message to 4695 patients on follow-up at a tertiary rheumatology center. Latent class analysis was performed on the survey variables.

There were 2239 (47.7%) who responded to the survey and 3 clusters were identified. Cluster 3 (C3) was defined by patients who were most worried about COVID-19, more likely to wear face masks, and more likely to alter or stop their medications. Patients in C3 were more likely to be female, Malay, and unemployed.

We identified 3 clusters with different healthcare beliefs and distinct sociodemographics.

We identified 3 clusters with different healthcare beliefs and distinct sociodemographics.

Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) may have an impact on work. The Ankylosing Spondylitis Work Instability Scale (AS-WIS) assesses difficulties at work. The objective of this study was to evaluate the predictive value of the AS WIS on work impact.

Prospective cohort study with two timepoints (at baseline and after 1.5 years) including patients with axSpA and a paid professional activity. Patients completed the AS-WIS at baseline and work instability was scored as moderate/high if ≥11 (0-20 scale). At follow up, adverse work outcomes (AWO) were defined as short-term sick leave or severe AWO (long-term sick leave, disability, unemployment). Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to explain AWO.

Of 101 patients, mean age 45 (standard deviation (SD) 9) years, 52% male, disease duration was 14 (SD 8) years. The BASDAI and the BASFI were respectively 34 (SD 21) and 23 (SD 23), 69 (68%) received a TNF-inhibitor. At baseline, 46 (46%) patients had moderate/high AS-WIS. At 1.5 years of follow-up, 37 patients (36%) had AWO 25 patients (25%) a short-term sick leave, and 12 patients (12%, 7/100 patient years) a severe AWO.