Dominant B cell receptor clones in peripheral blood predict onset of arthritis in individuals at risk for rheumatoid arthritis

BACKGROUND

The onset of seropositive rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is preceded by the presence of specific autoantibodies in the absence of synovial inflammation. Only a subset of these at-risk individuals will develop clinical disease. This impedes efforts to implement early interventions that may prevent onset of clinically manifest disease. Here we analyse whether clonal changes in the B cell receptor (BCR) repertoire can reliably predict onset of signs and symptoms.

METHODS

In a prospective cohort study in 21 individuals at risk for RA based on the presence of autoantibodies, the BCR repertoire of paired peripheral blood and synovial tissue samples was analysed using next-generation BCR sequencing. BCR clones that were expanded beyond 0.5% of the total repertoire were labelled dominant. The relative risk (RR) for onset of arthritis was assessed using the presence of ≥5 dominant BCR clones as cut-off. Findings in peripheral blood were validated in an independent prospective cohort of 50 at-risk individuals. Based on the test cohort, individuals in the validation cohort were considered positive if peripheral blood at study entry showed ≥5 dominant BCR clones.

FINDINGS

Both in the test and validation cohort, the presence of ≥5 dominant BCR clones in peripheral blood was significantly associated with arthritis development after follow-up (validation cohort RR 6.3, 95% CI 2.7 to 15, p<1×10^-4). Even when adjusted for a recently described clinical prediction rule the association remained intact (RR 5.0, 95% CI 1.2 to 20, p=0.024). When individuals developed arthritis, dominant BCR clones disappeared from peripheral blood and appeared in synovial tissue, suggesting a direct role of these clones in disease pathogenesis.

INTERPRETATION

Dominant BCR clones in peripheral blood predict onset of clinical signs and symptoms of RA in at-risk individuals with high accuracy. Our data suggest that during onset of RA these clones shift from peripheral blood to the target tissue.

Comparison of Pre-Revision Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Operative Findings in Mechanically Assisted Crevice Corrosion in Symptomatic Metal-on-Polyethylene Total Hip Arthroplasties

BACKGROUND

Failed total hip arthroplasty (THA) caused by mechanically assisted crevice corrosion (MACC) has serious consequences-notably, adverse local tissue reactions. Metal artifact reduction sequence (MARS) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been used to evaluate failed THA for other reasons but has not been assessed for the analysis of cases of MACC in the setting of metal-on-polyethylene arthroplasties.

METHODS

We examined the correlation between preoperative MARS MRI and surgical findings in a cohort of 20 consecutive patients undergoing revision THA for symptomatic MACC without other associated orthopedic diagnoses. Surgical findings included soft tissue and bone evaluation, presence and location of fluid, abductor disruption, composite tissue damage grade, and prosthesis trunnion damage at the time of revision.

RESULTS

MARS MRI complex synovitis, thickened pseudocapsule, and extra-articular fluid extension each strongly correlated with both the soft-tissue damage grade and trunnion damage noted at surgery. Bone marrow edema was also found to strongly correlate with bone necrosis intraoperatively.

CONCLUSION

MARS MRI is an excellent diagnostic tool for evaluation of patients with elevated serum Co after metal-on-polyethylene THA. Patients with complex synovitis, a thick pseudocapsule, bone marrow edema, and extra-articular fluid should strongly consider revision surgery.

Developing anti-inflammatory therapeutics for patients with osteoarthritis

OA is the most common joint disorder in the world, but there are no approved therapeutics to prevent disease progression. Historically, OA has been considered a wear-and-tear joint disease, and efforts to identify and develop disease-modifying therapeutics have predominantly focused on direct inhibition of cartilage degeneration. However, there is now increasing evidence that inflammation is a key mediator of OA joint pathology, and also that the link between obesity and OA is not solely due to excessive load-bearing, suggesting therefore that targeting inflammation in OA could be a rewarding therapeutic strategy. In this review we therefore re-evaluate historical clinical trial data on anti-inflammatory therapeutics in OA patients, highlight some of the more promising emerging therapeutic targets and discuss the implications for future clinical trial design.

Agreement of clinical examination and ultrasound methods for detection of joints involvements in rheumatoid arthritis

BACKGROUND

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by synovial tissue inflammation and destruction of articular components which if not controlled properly, can cause disability in patients. For this reason, evaluation of disease activity and its control is very important. In recent years using sonography is promising for the evaluation of disease activity. This study aimed to compare "clinical examination" and "ultrasonography" methods in the detection of disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted during 2015 in Al-Zahra Hospital of Isfahan. Based on the American College of Rheumatology 2010 criteria, ninety patients with rheumatoid arthritis who diagnosed by rheumatologist entered into the study. All patients, collaborator by radiologists were subjected to sonography of specific joints structures using two methods, i.e., high-resolution ultrasonography and power Doppler.

RESULTS

A total of 2520 joints from ninety patients were examined by physical examination and ultrasonography that 244 joints (9.7%) in physical examination and 348 joints (13.4%) in ultrasonography were involved and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Probably, ultrasonography can diagnose joint involvement better than physical examination in patients with Rheumatoid arthritis.

Scoring ultrasound synovitis in rheumatoid arthritis: a EULAR-OMERACT ultrasound taskforcePart 1: definition and development of a standardised, consensus-based scoring system

OBJECTIVES

To develop a consensus-based ultrasound (US) definition and quantification system for synovitis in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

METHODS

A multistep, iterative approach was used to: (1) evaluate the baseline agreement on defining and scoring synovitis according to the usual practice of different sonographers, using both grey-scale (GS) (synovial hypertrophy (SH) and effusion) and power Doppler (PD), by reading static images and scanning patients with RA and (2) evaluate the influence of both the definition and acquisition technique on reliability followed by a Delphi exercise to obtain consensus definitions for synovitis, elementary components and scoring system.

RESULTS

Baseline reliability was highly variable but better for static than dynamic images that were directly acquired and immediately scored. Using static images, intrareader and inter-reader reliability for scoring PD were excellent for both binary and semiquantitative (SQ) grading but GS showed greater variability for both scoring systems (κ ranges: -0.05 to 1 and 0.59 to 0.92, respectively). In patient-based exercise, both intraobserver and interobserver reliability were variable and the mean κ coefficients did not reach 0.50 for any of the components. The second step resulted in refinement of the preliminary Outcome Measures in Rheumatology synovitis definition by including the presence of both hypoechoic SH and PD signal and the development of a SQ severity score, depending on both the amount of PD and the volume and appearance of SH.

CONCLUSION

A multistep consensus-based process has produced a standardised US definition and quantification system for RA synovitis including combined and individual SH and PD components. Further evaluation is required to understand its performance before application in clinical trials.

Scoring ultrasound synovitis in rheumatoid arthritis: a EULAR-OMERACT ultrasound taskforce-Part 2: reliability and application to multiple joints of a standardised consensus-based scoring system

Objectives

To test the reliability of new ultrasound (US) definitions and quantification of synovial hypertrophy (SH) and power Doppler (PD) signal, separately and in combination, in a range of joints in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) using the European League Against Rheumatisms–Outcomes Measures in Rheumatology (EULAR-OMERACT) combined score for PD and SH.

Methods

A stepwise approach was used: (1) scoring static images of metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints in a web-based exercise and subsequently when scanning patients; (2) scoring static images of wrist, proximal interphalangeal joints, knee and metatarsophalangeal joints in a web-based exercise and subsequently when scanning patients using different acquisitions (standardised vs usual practice). For reliability, kappa coefficients (κ) were used.

Results

Scoring MCP joints in static images showed substantial intraobserver variability but good to excellent interobserver reliability. In patients, intraobserver reliability was the same for the two acquisition methods. Interobserver reliability for SH (κ=0.87) and PD (κ=0.79) and the EULAR-OMERACT combined score (κ=0.86) were better when using a ‘standardised’ scan. For the other joints, the intraobserver reliability was excellent in static images for all scores (κ=0.8–0.97) and the interobserver reliability marginally lower. When using standardised scanning in patients, the intraobserver was good (κ=0.64 for SH and the EULAR-OMERACT combined score, 0.66 for PD) and the interobserver reliability was also good especially for PD (κ range=0.41–0.92).

Conclusion

The EULAR-OMERACT score demonstrated moderate-good reliability in MCP joints using a standardised scan and is equally applicable in non-MCP joints. This scoring system should underpin improved reliability and consequently the responsiveness of US in RA clinical trials.

Should Arterial Embolization in Recurrent Spontaneous Hemoph ilic Hemarthroses Refractory to Intensive Prophylaxis be the First Invasive Resort?

BACKGROUND

Some reports have suggested that arterial embolization (AE) is a good indication to manage recurrent spontaneous hemartroses (RSH) that are refractory to intensive prophylaxis (RIP) in people with hemophilia (PWH).

OBJECTIVE

To clarify the role of AE in RSH that are RIP in PWH.

METHOD

A literature review of arterial embolization in patients with hemophilia was performed using MEDLINE (PubMed) and the Cochrane Library.

RESULTS

A total of 68 articles were found, of which 6 were selected and reviewed because they were deeply focused on the topic. The total number of AEs performed so far is 78 in 69 patients. Four second AEs were required (4/78), and a third AE in one (1/78). Two complications have been found so far: a pseudoaneurym (1/78) of the femoral artery at the puncture site (that eventually required surgical repair) and a patient (1/78) that had recurrence of bleeding for whom surgical exploration was required. AE seems to be a good procedure for RSH that are RIP.

CONCLUSION

AE seems to be too aggressive to be considered the first resort. Radiosynovectomy (RS) must always be the first resort. AE should only be indicated in RSH that are RIP to 3 RSs (with 6 month intervals) followed by an arthroscopic synovectomy. AE in PWH is technically challenging and should be performed by highly skilled interventional radiologists.

Pathophysiology of Hemophilic Arthropathy

Spontaneous joint bleeding and repeated hemarthroses lead to hemophilic arthropathy—a debilitating disease with a significant negative impact on mobility and quality of life. Iron, cytokines, and angiogenic growth factors play a pivotal role in the onset of the inflammatory process that involves the synovial tissue, articular cartilage, and subchondral bone, with early damages and molecular changes determining the perpetuation of a chronic inflammatory condition. Synovitis is one of the earliest complications of hemarthrosis, and is characterized by synovial hypertrophy, migration of inflammatory cells, and a high degree of neo-angiogenesis with subsequent bleeding. The pathogenic mechanisms and molecular pathways by which blood in the joint cavity causes articular cartilage and subchondral bone destruction have yet to be fully elucidated. Both cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases and hydroxyl radicals may induce chondrocyte apoptosis. Members of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily (such as the molecular triad: osteoprotegerin—OPG; receptor activator of nuclear factor κB—RANK; RANK ligand—RANKL) seem instead to play a major role in the inflammatory process. These pathogenic processes interact with each other and ultimately lead to a fibrotic joint and the disabling condition characteristic of hemophilic arthropathy.

Post-radiosynovectomy imaging of Er-169 using scintigraphy and autoradiography

Currently, there is no protocol for the detection of intra‐articular distribution of Er‐169 citrate after radiosynovectomy. We propose post‐therapeutic imaging using scintigraphy and cobalt‐57 pen‐marker autoradiography. This technique evaluates the efficacy of the radiosynovectomy and patient safety and could be utilized for dosimetric protocol.

Sonographic Characteristics of Extensor Tendon Abnormalities and Relationship With Joint Disease Activity in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Pilot Study

OBJECTIVES

To characterize abnormalities in the dorsal extensor tendons of the hand and determine the importance of these findings in rheumatoid arthritis.

METHODS

A retrospective cross-sectional study was done on 26 patients with rheumatoid arthritis who had sonography of their hands. B-mode and power Doppler joint activity were scored, and the extensor tendons were examined for B-mode changes and power Doppler signals. B-mode changes included anechoic fluid around tendons, hypoechoic tissue around tendons, paratendon tissue and tendon thickening, as well as vascularity around the tendon, for which peritendon power Doppler signals were recorded.

RESULTS

Forty-one hands and 205 joints were reviewed. Anechoic fluid around the tendons and peritendon power Doppler signals were observed in 41% and 39%, respectively; 44% and 28% of patients had B-mode and power Doppler scores in the upper tertile, respectively. For both B-mode and power Doppler scores, 3 categories or tertiles were created, 0 to 0.9, 1 to 1.9, and 2 to 3. We reported the percentage of patients with power Doppler and B-mode scores in this category. The severity of synovitis was associated with anechoic fluid around the tendons and peritendon power Doppler signals according to the Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel test. The common odds ratio was 3.52 (95% confidence interval, 1.45- 8.53) for anechoic fluid around the tendons and severe synovitis. The common odds ratio was 2.52 (95% confidence interval, 1.13-5.63) for peritendon power Doppler signals and severe synovitis.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings at the dorsal extensor tendons were anechoic fluid around tendons, hypoechoic tissue around tendons, peritendon power Doppler signals, and tendon thickening. Patients with anechoic fluid and power Doppler signals were found to have more severe disease activity at the joints based on B-mode and power Doppler scores.

Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes: Immunomodulatory Evaluation in an Antigen-Induced Synovitis Porcine Model

Synovitis is an inflammatory process associated with pain, disability, and discomfort, which is usually treated with anti-inflammatory drugs or biological agents. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been also successfully used in the treatment of inflammatory-related diseases such as synovitis or arthritis. In the last years, the exosomes derived from MSCs have become a promising tool for the treatment of inflammatory-related diseases and their therapeutic effect is thought to be mediated (at least in part) by their immunomodulatory potential. In this work, we aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of these exosomes in an antigen-induced synovitis animal model. To our knowledge, this is the first report where exosomes derived from MSCs have been evaluated in an animal model of synovitis. Our results demonstrated a decrease of synovial lymphocytes together with a downregulation of TNF-α transcripts in those exosome-treated joints. These results support the immunomodulatory effect of these exosomes and point out that they may represent a promising therapeutic option for the treatment of synovitis.

Serum calreticulin as a novel biomarker of juvenile idiopathic arthritis disease activity

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the relations between calreticulin (CRT) serum level and both disease activity and severity parameters in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In this study, 60 children with JIA and 50 age-and-sex-matched healthy subjects were enrolled. The assessment of the disease activity was done using juvenile arthritis disease activity score 27 (JADAS-27). The assessment of disease severity was done via gray-scale ultrasonography (US) and power Doppler US (PDUS). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to assay the serum level of human CRT.

RESULTS

The mean serum CRT levels in JIA patients was 8.6±1.2 ng/mL and showed a highly significant increase (p=0.001) as compared to the mean serum levels in the controls (5.02±0.77 ng/mL). There were statistically significant positive correlations between the serum CRT levels and disease duration, tender joint count, swollen joint count, visual analog scale, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, JADAS-27, C-reactive protein, rheumatoid factor titer, and ultrasonographic grading for synovitis and neovascularization.

CONCLUSION

Elevated serum CRT levels in JIA patients and its correlations with JIA disease activity and severity parameters signified that CRT might be used as a novel biomarker for disease activity and severity in JIA.

Mycobacterial Arthritis and Synovitis in Painted Reed Frogs (Hyperolius marmoratus)

Several species of atypical mycobacteria have been isolated from wild and captive amphibians. In captive anurans, cutaneous and visceral mycobacteriosis are common and can result in significant mortality, particularly when animals are immunocompromised. Mycobacterial arthritis and synovitis are reported rarely in amphibians. We describe 20 cases in painted reed frogs (Hyperolius marmoratus), which presented with cachexia, limb paresis or paralysis or 'spindly leg syndrome'. Histopathology revealed multifocal histiocytic to granulomatous synovitis affecting appendicular, rib or spinal intervertebral joints. Periarticular granulomata, granulomatous cellulitis and skeletal muscle atrophy, necrosis and degeneration were also present. In one case, granulomatous spinal osteomyelitis was recorded. Ziehl-Neelsen stains showed large numbers of acid-fast bacteria in macrophages and histiocytes. The mycobacterial isolates obtained from culture were identified as members of the Mycobacterium chelonae complex (either M. chelonae or Mycobacterium abscessus). This was confirmed by 5'-16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) sequencing. In 17 cases mycobacterial lesions were present only in the joints and skeleton, highlighting the importance of not ruling out mycobacterial infection on the basis of absence of cutaneous or visceral lesions.

Effectiveness of whole-body magnetic resonance imaging for the efficacy of biologic anti-rheumatic drugs in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A retrospective pilot study

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the scoring of whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (WBMRI) for efficacy assessment in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients receiving biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs).

METHODS

Thirty consecutive RA patients receiving bDMARDs were included in this retrospective study. Contrast WBMRI was performed before and 1 year after bDMARDs initiation.

RESULTS

At baseline, mean age was 57.1 years and mean disease duration was 3.0 years. Median disease activity score in 28 joints improved from 5.1 to 2.1. Treatment with bDMARDs improved mean whole-body synovitis score from 31.2 to 23.2 and median whole-body bone-edema score from 11 to 3. Whole-body bone-erosion score improved in seven patients and deteriorated in 17 patients. Logistic regression analysis identified whole-body synovitis score as a poor prognostic factor for whole-body bone-erosion progression. Bone-edema score in individual bones was identified as a poor prognostic factor for the progression of bone-erosion. Changes in hand synovitis score correlated with those of other joints, but neither changes in bone-edema nor erosion score of hands correlated with those of other joints in WBMRI.

CONCLUSIONS

WBMRI scoring may be a novel useful tool to evaluate the efficacy of anti-rheumatic drugs, as well as a potential predictor of joint prognosis, in patients with RA.

Difficult-to-treat rheumatoid arthritis: an area of unmet clinical need

Increased effectiveness of pharmacological treatments in early RA has led many to believe that difficult-to-treat, established RA is a condition of the past. However, there are still plenty of RA patients who continue to have signs and symptoms suggestive of inflammatory disease activity, despite consecutive treatment with multiple conventional synthetic and biological DMARDs. We argue that difficult-to-treat RA constitutes an area of unmet clinical need and propose a definition of this concept. An overview of what is known about the multiple contributory factors varying for each individual patient, and an approach towards improved patient-tailored management are presented. This management approach involves thorough assessment to determine whether persistence of signs and symptoms is based on inflammatory disease activity, and the role of comorbidities. Furthermore, it addresses medication-related issues, such as non-adherence, patient beliefs and expectations, and setting of realistic treatment goals.

Efficacy of Foot and Ankle Corticosteroid Injections

BACKGROUND

Corticosteroid injections have been used for a variety of foot and ankle pathologies over the years, and our aim was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of them in our clinic.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of notes and a telephone questionnaire on the clinical outcome of all patients who underwent a corticosteroid injection of the foot or ankle in a year. All procedures were performed in an outpatient setting by a consultant musculoskeletal radiologist using either ultrasound or X-ray guidance and had a minimum of 2 years of follow-up.

RESULTS

Overall, 314 of 365 (86%) patients reported a significant improvement in symptoms, and 242 (66%) reported complete resolution of their pain, with 107 (29%) remaining asymptomatic at the 2-year follow-up. The mode time of recurrence of pain was 3 months. Fifty-one (14%) underwent a further injection and 88 (24%) underwent operative intervention within the follow-up period. Complication rates in our series were low. There were no reported infections. Complications occurred in 5 patients (1.3%), including steroid flare, pain, and plantar plate ruptures.

CONCLUSION

Corticosteroid injections were a safe and effective option for treating a variety of foot and ankle conditions and reduced the need for surgery. They were particularly effective for the treatment of ankle soft tissue impingement. They appear ineffective in providing significant improvement in pain for longer than 3 months in conditions such as plantar fasciitis and hallux rigidus.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV, case series.

Automated assessment of joint synovitis activity from medical ultrasound and power doppler examinations using image processing and machine learning methods

Objectives

Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common rheumatic disease with arthritis, and causes substantial functional disability in approximately 50% patients after 10 years. Accurate measurement of the disease activity is crucial to provide an adequate treatment and care to the patients.

The aim of this study is focused on a computer aided diagnostic system that supports an assessment of synovitis severity.

Material and methods

This paper focus on a computer aided diagnostic system that was developed within joint Polish–Norwegian research project related to the automated assessment of the severity of synovitis. Semiquantitative ultrasound with power Doppler is a reliable and widely used method of assessing synovitis. Synovitis is estimated by ultrasound examiner using the scoring system graded from 0 to 3. Activity score is estimated on the basis of the examiner’s experience or standardized ultrasound atlases. The method needs trained medical personnel and the result can be affected by a human error.

Results

The porotype of a computer-aided diagnostic system and algorithms essential for an analysis of ultrasonic images of finger joints are main scientific output of the MEDUSA project. Medusa Evaluation System prototype uses bone, skin, joint and synovitis area detectors for mutual structural model based evaluation of synovitis. Finally, several algorithms that support the semi-automatic or automatic detection of the bone region were prepared as well as a system that uses the statistical data processing approach in order to automatically localize the regions of interest.

Conclusions

Semiquantitative ultrasound with power Doppler is a reliable and widely used method of assessing synovitis. Activity score is estimated on the basis of the examiner’s experience and the result can be affected by a human error. In this paper we presented the MEDUSA project which is focused on a computer aided diagnostic system that supports an assessment of synovitis severity.

Intra-Articular Blockade of P2X7 Receptor Reduces the Articular Hyperalgesia and Inflammation in the Knee Joint Synovitis Especially in Female Rats

Synovitis is a key factor in joint disease pathophysiology, which affects a greater proportion of women than men. P2X7 receptor activation contributes to arthritis, but whether it plays a role in articular inflammatory pain in a sex-dependent manner is unknown. We investigated whether the P2X7 receptor blockade in the knee joint of male and female rats reduces the articular hyperalgesia and inflammation induced by a carrageenan knee joint synovitis model. Articular hyperalgesia was quantified using the rat knee joint incapacitation test and the knee joint inflammation, characterized by the concentration of cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant-1, and by neutrophil migration, was quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and by myeloperoxidase enzyme activity measurement, respectively. P2X7 receptor blockade by the articular coadministration of selective P2X7 receptor antagonist A740003 with carrageenan significantly reduced articular hyperalgesia, pro-inflammatory cytokine concentrations, and myeloperoxidase activity induced by carrageenan injection into the knee joint of male and estrus female rats. However, a lower dose of P2X7 receptor antagonist was sufficient to significantly induce the antihyperalgesic and anti-inflammatory effects in estrus female but not in male rats. These results suggest that P2X7 receptor activation by endogenous adenosine 5'-triphosphate is essential to articular hyperalgesia and inflammation development in the knee joint of male and female rats. However, female rats are more responsive than male rats to the antihyperalgesic and anti-inflammatory effects induced by P2X7 receptor blockade.

PERSPECTIVE

P2X7 receptors could be promising therapeutic targets in the treatment of knee joint disease symptoms, especially in women, who are more affected than men by these conditions.

A Truncated IL-17RC Peptide Ameliorates Synovitis and Bone Destruction of Arthritic Mice

Peptide-based therapy, such as modified peptides, has attracted increased attention. IL-17 is a promising therapeutic target for autoimmune diseases, and levels of circulating bioactive IL-17 are associated with rheumatoid arthritis severity. In this study, a modified truncated IL-17RC is generated to ameliorate inflammation and bone destruction in arthritis. The truncated IL-17RC binds to both IL-17A and IL-17F with higher binding capacity compared to nonmodified IL-17RC. In addition, the truncated IL-17RC reduces the secretion of inflammatory and osteoclastogenic factors induced by IL-17A/F in vitro. Moreover, the administration of truncated IL-17RC dramatically improves symptoms of inflammation and inhibited bone destruction in collagen-induced arthritis mice. Collectively, these data demonstrate that modified truncated IL-17RC peptide may be a more effective treatment strategy in the simultaneous inhibition of both IL-17A and IL-17F signaling, whereas the existing agents neutralize IL-17A or IL-17F alone. These suggest that the truncated IL-17RC may be a potential candidate in the treatment of inflammatory associated bone diseases.

Pigmented Villonodular Synovitis of the Knee Joint: A Case Report

Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is a rare, benign, but potentially locally aggressive and recurrent condition characterized by synovial proliferation and hemosiderin deposition inside the joints, tendon sheaths, and bursae. It usually affects the large joints such as hip, knee, and ankle. We report a case of PVNS of the knee joint in a young female which was treated by subtotal synovectomy alone without the use of adjuvants. At the 14-month follow-up, the patient was pain free and had no signs of disease recurrence.

Utility of ultrasonography in guiding modification of disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs and steroid therapy for inflammatory arthritis in routine clinical practice

OBJECTIVE

To determine the utility of ultrasonography in guiding modification of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) and steroid therapy for inflammatory arthritis (IA) in routine clinical practice.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, we analyzed DMARD and steroid use in IA patients referred to a rheumatologist-led ultrasound clinic. Power Doppler (PD) vascularity and greyscale (GS) synovial hypertrophy joint findings were categorized as positive/negative for each patient. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was used as a measure of disease activity.

RESULTS

We assessed single visit data for 46 adult IA patients: 67.4% (n = 31) rheumatoid arthritis (RA), 15.2% (n = 7) psoriatic arthritis, 10.9% (n = 5) spondyloarthritis, and 6.5% (n = 3) undifferentiated IA. The mean ESR was 28.8 mm/h. Thirty-seven patients with both GS and PD ultrasound results were subsequently analyzed. All patients (n = 10) escalated and/or initiated on DMARD and 9/10 patients escalated or initiated on steroids were PD and GS positive. Six of seven patients with dose reduction and/or cessation of DMARDs and five of seven patients with dose reduction or cessation of steroids were PD negative. Of six patients who were GS positive and PD negative, three had dose reduction and/or cessation of DMARDs, while four had dose reduction of steroids; none of the six patients had DMARD/steroid escalation.

CONCLUSION

By clarifying joint inflammation in an IA cohort with overall low ESR, ultrasonography of physician-selected joints can improve clinical assessment, resulting in treatment modification. Positive PD findings were particularly influential, while the clinical significance of GS positivity alone requires further investigation.

Functional Reconstruction of Temporomandibular Joint after Resection of Pigmented Villonodular Synovitis with Extension to Infratemporal Fossa and Skull Base: A Case Report

Introduction  Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is a benign but aggressive lesion arising from sinovia. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is hardly ever involved.

Methods  We describe a case of PVNS arising in the left TMJ involving infratemporal fossa soft tissue and the skull base; we also present the reconstruction.

Results  A 37-year-old woman had progressive mandibular swelling for 6 months. Computed tomography of the skull revealed an osteolytic lesion in the left TMJ, involving the upper mandible, condyle, and glenoid fossa and extending to the infratemporal fossa and fossa media through a defect in temporal bone. Surgical management included a left pterional craniotomy to reach the temporal skull base and resect the intracranial tumor and a facial approach with partial left mandibulectomy and resection of left condyle, glenoid fossa, and tumor removal in infratemporal fossa. Mandible function was restored with prosthetic reconstruction of the condyle. She progressively started to eat solid foods after 3 months, becoming increasingly functional and asymptomatic. At 30 months' follow-up, she had no sign of tumoral recurrence and showed asymptomatic and normal TMJ function.

Conclusion  PVNS should be considered in the differential diagnosis of bone neoplasms affecting young patients. In such cases, radical excision is mandatory and TMJ prosthesis for local reconstruction may be used to preserve functionality.

Adhesive Capsulitis in Eight Dogs: Diagnosis and Management

OBJECTIVE

To describe clinical and diagnostic findings as well as management of adhesive capsulitis in dogs.

BACKGROUND

Adhesive capsulitis, also known as frozen shoulder, is a syndrome defined by loss of range of motion of the shoulder and may be the end-stage manifestation of several primary conditions.

EVIDENTIARY VALUE

This is a case series report of eight dogs with chronic forelimb lameness diagnosed with adhesive capsulitis.

METHODS

Medical records (June 1, 2010-September 1, 2015) including, physical examination findings, radiographic findings, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, arthroscopy findings, and treatment plans were reviewed.

RESULTS

All dogs presented with a chronic, grade III-VI/VI forelimb lameness. On orthopedic examination, all dogs had moderate to significant discomfort on shoulder extension and flexion and severe restriction of range of motion. Six of the eight dogs had evidence of bone remodeling and sclerosis in the affected shoulder on radiographs. Six of the dogs had an initial diagnostic ultrasound performed, which revealed evidence of fibrous scar tissue. Five dogs had MRI performed that revealed moderate shoulder effusion and enhancement of the synovial lining of the shoulder. Arthroscopy was performed in five of the eight patients. Three were noted to have significant contracture, adhesions, and fibrous scar tissue of the joint capsule. Severe inflammation was noted throughout the synovium of two patients. All eight patients tried conservative management consisting of oral medications and rehabilitation therapy. Five of the eight patients received extracorporeal shockwave therapy. Three patients received regenerative medicine treatment in the affected supraspinatus and shoulder. Regardless of the treatment elected, none of the dogs were reported to have significant improvement.

CONCLUSION

Adhesive capsulitis is an uncommon cause of chronic forelimb lameness. Further investigation is needed to describe the etiology and pathogenesis of adhesive capsulitis in dogs to evaluate the effectiveness of both non-surgical and surgical treatment modalities, establish treatment protocols, and evaluate short- and long-term clinical outcome of patients.

APPLICATION

Adhesive capsulitis should be considered in patients with chronic forelimb lameness and moderate to significant discomfort and restriction on shoulder range of motion.

Hypoxia-Inducible Factor (HIF) as a Target for Novel Therapies in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Hypoxia is an important micro-environmental characteristic of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIF) are key transcriptional factors that are highly expressed in RA synovium to regulate the adaptive responses to this hypoxic milieu. Accumulating evidence supports hypoxia and HIFs in regulating a number of important pathophysiological characteristics of RA, including synovial inflammation, angiogenesis, and cartilage destruction. Experimental and clinical data have confirmed the upregulation of both HIF-1α and HIF-2α in RA. This review will focus on the differential expression of HIFs within the synovial joint and its functional behavior in different cell types to regulate RA progression. Potential development of new therapeutic strategies targeting HIF-regulated pathways at sites of disease in RA will also be addressed.