The continuum of art and rheumatology: a discernment of mutual inclusivity

Art has been an integral part of the field of medicine, and has served, since the beginning of the time, in its development. This literature review explores the deep relationship between art and medicine through history, and how they are inextricably linked. Even during this current era and evolution, art has found its way in the different aspects of medicine from academic literature, digital health, and medical curriculum. Moreover, the increasing prevalence of mental health disorders, especially in those with chronic diseases, has resulted in art being used as a tool to alleviate symptoms and offer emotional relief. With the emergence of a new era of medicine, art is expected to play a major role in its foundation.

Could Frida Kahlo have had antiphospholipid syndrome?

Frida Kahlo's medical history shows sequelae of polio, a severe traumatic event that caused multiple fractures and a penetrating pelvic injury, as well as a history of countless surgeries. In her biographical accounts and her works, chronic disabling pain always appears for long periods. Besides, a chronic foot ulcer, gangrene that required amputation of the right leg, a history of abortions, and a positive Wasserman reaction suggest that the artist could have suffered from antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS).

Arthritis in the hands of saints shown in 15th century Venetian altarpieces by Bartolomeo Vivarini

Bartolomeo Vivarini (1432-1499) was the most prolific member of a prominent 15th-century Venetian family of artists who specialised in religious art, particularly altarpieces. Unlike their Florentine counterparts, Venetian artists of this period were typically more concerned with decorative effects than with accuracy of description, so their paintings often lacked detailed anatomical information. Bartolomeo, however, began the move toward anatomical realism in the Vivarini family. Two pictures of saints from his altarpieces are presented here to illustrate his depiction of arthritic hand deformities. The hands of Saint Louis of Toulouse (painted c. 1465-7), a young man who died in his 20s, show signs of inflammatory arthritis, while the effects of degenerative osteoarthritis can be seen in the hands of Saint Mark (painted c. 1470), who is portrayed as a man in late middle age. These observations extend the findings of previous studies of Florentine altarpieces from the same period, as well as more general studies of deformed extremities in Italian, Flemish and French Renaissance paintings. They also support the broader proposition that when 15th-century Venetian painters began to embrace anatomical realism they were capable of providing sufficient detail to enable pathological deformities in their figures to be identified.

Could Frida Kahlo Have Had Antiphospholipid Syndrome?

Frida Kahlo's medical history shows sequelae of polio, a severe traumatic event that caused multiple fractures and a penetrating pelvic injury, as well as a history of countless surgeries. In her biographical accounts and her works, chronic disabling pain always appears for long periods. Besides, a chronic foot ulcer, gangrene that required amputation of the right leg, a history of abortions, and a positive Wasserman reaction suggest that the artist could have suffered from antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS).

More than meets the eye(brow): Dermatologic imagery in Frida Kahlo's self-portraiture

Renowned for her self-portraiture that acts as her visual autobiography, Frida Kahlo (1907-1954) is one of the leading woman painters of all time and an enduring feminist icon. Aside from the personal and societal commentary, both subtle and overt, that is evident within her artwork, the use of medical imagery shifts the viewer's perspective beyond Kahlo's self-portraits to offer accurate interpretations of her own singular history. The incorporation of dermatologic iconography within Kahlo's self-portraiture to record her skin, as well as its unique features, have rebuked conventional standards of beauty and exploded preconceptions of what is permissible in high art.

Qualitative Methods to Advance Care, Diagnosis, and Therapy in Rheumatic Diseases

This article provides an overview of the basis, usefulness, and validity of qualitative methods in research. It is aimed to enhance the understanding of a broad spectrum of readers, ranging from those mystified by such approaches, to those wanting a better critical knowledge to apply to literature review, and for health care providers considering developing an interest in the field. Qualitative research is crucial in augmentation of disease knowledge as well as the development of incremental care strategies and operational aspects of care that improves health outcomes.