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Fenech M. Sonographic anatomy and technique to image the plantar digital nerves and aid identification of a Morton's neuroma. ULTRASOUND (LEEDS, ENGLAND) 2024; 32:114-126. [PMID: 38694832 PMCID: PMC11060124 DOI: 10.1177/1742271x231215716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
Introduction The anatomy of the forefoot is complex, and the sonographic assessment to image the plantar digital nerves and exclude, diagnose or discriminate between a Morton's neuroma and intermetatarsal bursitis can be challenging. Topic description and discussion A good appreciation of the sonographic anatomy, technique, normal and abnormal appearances is required to undertake a sonographic assessment of the forefoot and its interspaces, particularly the plantar digital nerves. This is unpacked in this paper with associated pictorial aids. Muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the interspaces and the nearby metatarsophalangeal joints and their associated soft-tissue structures are helpful sonographic landmarks to guide imaging and assessment of the common and proper plantar digital nerves and the intermetatarsal bursa. These need to be appreciated from both dorsal and plantar sonographic approaches, in both short- and long-axis imaging planes. Conclusion Improved understanding of the anatomy and sonographic appearances of the interspace structures can enhance the sonographic assessment of the forefoot and improve diagnosis of a Morton's neuroma and/or intermetatarsal bursitis when present to guide patient management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Fenech
- College of Clinical Sciences, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; Department of Medical Imaging, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Herston, QLD, Australia
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Takamasu E, Miyoshi Y. Écartement des orteils causé par une bursite intermétatarsienne chez une personne atteinte de polyarthrite rhumatoïde. CMAJ 2024; 196:E357-E358. [PMID: 38499305 PMCID: PMC10948186 DOI: 10.1503/cmaj.231253-f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Eisuke Takamasu
- Département de rhumatologie, Centre médical Tama de la métropole de Tokyo, Tokyo, Japon.
| | - Yuji Miyoshi
- Département de rhumatologie, Centre médical Tama de la métropole de Tokyo, Tokyo, Japon
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Takamasu E, Miyoshi Y. Separating toes due to intermetatarsal bursitis in rheumatoid arthritis. CMAJ 2023; 195:E1661-E1662. [PMID: 38081628 PMCID: PMC10718270 DOI: 10.1503/cmaj.231253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Eisuke Takamasu
- Department of Rheumatic Diseases, Tokyo Metropolitan Tama Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Yuji Miyoshi
- Department of Rheumatic Diseases, Tokyo Metropolitan Tama Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
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4
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van Dijk BT, Dakkak YJ, Krijbolder DI, (Jendé) van Zeben D, Tchetverikov I, Reijnierse M, van der Helm-van Mil AHM. Which inflamed tissues explain a positive metatarsophalangeal squeeze test? A large imaging study to clarify a common diagnostic procedure. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2022; 61:4107-4112. [PMID: 35025983 PMCID: PMC9536781 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keac019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The squeeze test of MTP joints is frequently used because it is easy and cheap. It is traditionally perceived as a test for synovitis. Besides classic intra-articular synovitis, also tenosynovitis and intermetatarsal bursitis (IMB) represent synovial inflammation, albeit juxta-articularly located. Both are frequently present in RA and occasionally in other arthritides. Therefore we hypothesized that tenosynovitis and IMB contribute to a positive MTP squeeze test. METHODS A cross-sectional study design was used. A total of 192 early arthritis patients and 693 clinically suspect arthralgia patients underwent the MTP squeeze test and forefoot MRI at first presentation. MRI measurements in age-matched healthy controls were used to define positivity for synovitis, tenosynovitis and IMB. Logistic regression was used. RESULTS In early arthritis patients, synovitis [odds ratio (OR) 4.8 (95% CI 2.5, 9.5)], tenosynovitis [2.4 (1.2, 4.7)] and IMB [1.7 (1.2, 2.6)] associated with MTP squeeze test positivity. Synovitis [OR 3.2 (95% CI 1.4, 7.2)] and IMB [3.9 (1.7, 8.8)] remained associated in multivariable analyses. Of patients with a positive MTP squeeze test, 79% had synovitis or IMB: 12% synovitis, 15% IMB and 52% both synovitis and IMB. In clinically suspect arthralgia patients, subclinical synovitis [OR 3.0 (95% CI 2.0, 4.7)], tenosynovitis [2.7 (1.6, 4.6)] and IMB [1.7 (1.2, 2.6)] associated with MTP squeeze test positivity, with the strongest association for synovitis in multivariable analysis. Of positive MTP squeeze tests, 39% had synovitis or IMB (10% synovitis, 15% IMB and 13% both synovitis and IMB). CONCLUSION Besides synovitis, IMB contributes to pain upon compression in early arthritis, presumably due to its location between MTP joints. This is the first evidence showing that MTP squeeze test positivity is not only explained by intra- but also juxta-articular inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yousra J Dakkak
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Centre,
Leiden
| | | | | | | | | | - Annette H M van der Helm-van Mil
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Centre,
Leiden
- Department of Rheumatology, Erasmus Medical Centre,
Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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van Dijk BT, Dakkak YJ, Matthijssen XME, Niemantsverdriet E, Reijnierse M, van der Helm‐van Mil AHM. Intermetatarsal Bursitis, a Novel Feature of Juxtaarticular Inflammation in Early Rheumatoid Arthritis Related to Clinical Signs: Results of a Longitudinal Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) 2022; 74:1713-1722. [PMID: 33973415 PMCID: PMC9795989 DOI: 10.1002/acr.24640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Intermetatarsal bursae in the forefeet possess a synovial lining similar to joints and tendon sheaths. Inflammation of these bursae (intermetatarsal bursitis [IMB]) was recently identified as specific for early rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The present study was undertaken to determine if IMB is indeed an RA feature by assessing the following: 1) the association with other local inflammatory measures (synovitis, tenosynovitis, and osteitis), 2) the association with clinical signs, and 3) whether it responds to disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) therapy similarly to other local inflammatory measures. METHODS One hundred fifty-seven consecutive early RA patients underwent unilateral contrast-enhanced 1.5T forefoot magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at diagnosis. MRIs were evaluated for IMB presence and for synovitis, tenosynovitis, and osteitis in line with the RA MRI Scoring (RAMRIS) system (summed as RAMRIS inflammation). MRIs at 4, 12, and 24 months were evaluated for IMB presence and size in patients who had IMB at baseline and received early DMARD therapy. Logistic regression and generalized estimating equations were used. Anti-citrullinated protein antibody (ACPA) stratification was performed. RESULTS Sixty-nine percent of RA patients had ≥1 IMB. In multivariable analysis on bursa level, presence of IMB was independently associated with local presence of synovitis and tenosynovitis, with odds ratios (OR) of 1.69 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.12, 2.57) and 2.83 (95% CI 1.80, 4.44), respectively, but not osteitis. On the patient level, IMB presence was most strongly associated with tenosynovitis (OR 2.92 [95% CI 1.62, 5.24]). IMB presence was associated with local joint swelling (OR 2.7 [95% CI 1.3, 5.3]) and tenderness (OR 1.7 [95% CI 1.04, 2.9]) independent of RAMRIS inflammation. During treatment, IMB size decreased between 0 and 12 months. This decrease associated with decrease in RAMRIS inflammation, which was driven by synovitis decrease. Within ACPA-positive and ACPA-negative RA, similar results were obtained. CONCLUSION IMB particularly accompanies inflammation of the synovial lining of joints and tendon sheaths, showed a similar treatment response after DMARD initiation, and associates with typical clinical signs. These findings suggest that IMB represents a frequently present novel RA feature of juxtaarticular synovial inflammation.
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Hammer HB, Caporali R. Controversies in rheumatology: Ultrasound for monitoring of RA - do we need it? Rheumatology (Oxford) 2022; 61:4245-4251. [PMID: 35394009 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keac228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical joint examination is the cornerstone for evaluation of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, since large discrepancies have been shown even between experienced rheumatologists in evaluation of joint inflammation, and tender joints may have limited value in reflecting inflammation, ultrasound has in the last decennials been introduced in the clinical assessments of RA patients. Ultrasound has high accordance with other imaging modalities and enables detection of clinically difficult pathologies and contributes to assessments of joints difficult to evaluate clinically. However, there is no general agreement on the optimal use of ultrasound in rheumatology and the prevalence of machines as well as the level of experience is highly different across the countries. In addition, standardized use of ultrasound in treat-to-target follow-up of RA patients was found not to have any added value. Thus, how to use ultrasound in monitoring of RA patients is open for debate. The present article will discuss the pros and cons for using ultrasound in the clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilde Berner Hammer
- Department of Rheumatology, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Faculty of medicine, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Roberto Caporali
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Department of Rheumatology and Medical Sciences, ASST Pini-CTO, Milan, Italy
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Jain V, Kumar S. Intermetatarsal bursitis in the foot as the initial manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis. Clin Rheumatol 2022; 41:2255-2256. [PMID: 35362832 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-022-06123-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Vikramraj Jain
- Rheumatology Department, OPTIMA Superspeciality Hospital, No.9, 1st Main Road, Mahalaxmi Layout, Bengaluru, 560086, India.,Rheumatology Department, Bhagwan Mahaveer Jain Hospital, Bengaluru, India
| | - Sharath Kumar
- Rheumatology Department, OPTIMA Superspeciality Hospital, No.9, 1st Main Road, Mahalaxmi Layout, Bengaluru, 560086, India.
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Dörner T, Vital EM, Ohrndorf S, Alten R, Bello N, Haladyj E, Burmester G. A Narrative Literature Review Comparing the Key Features of Musculoskeletal Involvement in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Rheumatol Ther 2022; 9:781-802. [PMID: 35359260 PMCID: PMC9127025 DOI: 10.1007/s40744-022-00442-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the clinical approach to the management of musculoskeletal manifestations in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is often similar to that of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), there are distinct differences in immunopathogenesis, structural and imaging phenotypes and therapeutic evidence. Additionally, there are few published comparisons of these diseases. The objective of this narrative literature review is to compare the immunopathogenesis, structural features, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) studies and management of joint manifestations in RA and SLE. We highlight the key similarities and differences between the two diseases. Overall, the literature evaluated indicates that synovitis and radiographical progression are the key features in RA, while inflammation without swelling, tendinitis and tenosynovitis are more prominent features in SLE. In addition, the importance of defining patients with RA by the presence or absence of autoantibodies and categorizing patients with SLE by synovitis detected by musculoskeletal ultrasound and by structural phenotype (non-deforming, non-erosive arthritis, Jaccoud’s arthropathy and ‘Rhupus’) with respect to joint manifestations will also be discussed. An increased understanding of the joint manifestations in RA and SLE may inform evidence-based clinical decisions for both diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Dörner
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
- Deutsches Rheuma-Forschungszentrum Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Edward M Vital
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
- Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, National Institute for Health Research, Leeds Teaching Hospitals, Leeds, UK
| | - Sarah Ohrndorf
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Rieke Alten
- Department of Internal Medicine and Rheumatology, Schlosspark-Klinik, Teaching Hospital of the Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Ewa Haladyj
- Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Gerd Burmester
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Deutsches Rheuma-Forschungszentrum Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Pilitsi E, Kissin E. Heel fat pad involvement in rheumatoid arthritis: a review and case series. Clin Rheumatol 2021; 40:4373-4377. [PMID: 33813621 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-021-05725-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease affecting not only the synovial joints but also multiple extra-articular sites, including ankle and foot soft tissue. Hindfoot abnormalities usually follow those in the forefoot, with up to 4 out of 10 patients experiencing talalgia during their disease course. Enthesophytosis, retrocalcaneal bursitis, and plantar fasciitis are among the most common etiologies, while heel fat pad abnormalities like subcalcaneal bursitis are rare. Here, we report two cases of subcalcaneal bursitis, and the first case of heel fat pad and subcalcaneal bursa herniation in patients with established RA, along with a comprehensive literature review of subcalcaneal bursitis and other heel fat pad abnormalities in RA. Subcalcaneal bursitis, also referred to as panniculitis, inflammatory-edematous lesion, or adventitial (adventitious) bursitis has been reported in up to 10% of patients with RA. It appears as a compressible, heterogeneous, and hypoechoic subcalcaneal mass on ultrasound (US), with peripheral vascularization on Doppler US. Patients may present with heel discomfort. Ultrasonographic assessment is usually sufficient to confirm the presence of heel fat pad pathologies. Rest, analgesics, and mechanical aids with or without addition of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs are usually employed, while intervention is rarely required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Pilitsi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Boston University/Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Eugene Kissin
- Department of Rheumatology, Boston University/Boston Medical Center, 725 Albany Street, Boston, MA, 02118, USA.
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10
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Dakkak YJ, Niemantsverdriet E, van der Helm-van Mil AHM, Reijnierse M. Increased frequency of intermetatarsal and submetatarsal bursitis in early rheumatoid arthritis: a large case-controlled MRI study. Arthritis Res Ther 2020; 22:277. [PMID: 33228769 PMCID: PMC7684940 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-020-02359-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The forefoot is a preferential location for joint and tendon sheath inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It also contains bursae, of which the intermetatarsal bursae have a synovial lining. Some small imaging studies suggested that intermetatarsal bursitis (IMB) and submetatarsal bursitis (SMB) are involved in RA, but their association has not been thoroughly explored. Healthy control studies suggested that lesion size might be relevant. We studied the relation between IMB and SMB in early RA, compared to other arthritides and healthy controls, and the relevance of lesion sizes. Methods Six hundred and thirty-four participants were studied: 157 consecutive patients presenting with early RA, 284 other arthritides, and 193 healthy controls. All underwent unilateral contrast-enhanced MRI of the forefoot at presentation. Two readers independently scored IMB and SMB and measured transverse and dorsoplantar diameters, blinded to clinical data. Subsequently, consensus was reached. Intra-reader ICC was 0.89. Logistic regression models were used, and test characteristics were calculated. Results IMB and SMB associated with RA independent of each other (P < 0.001) and independent of age, gender, BMI, RA-MRI inflammation, and anti-CCP-antibodies (P = 0.041). Sensitivity for RA of IMB was 69%, and for SMB 25%. Specificity for IMB was 70% compared to other arthritides, and 84% compared to healthy controls. For SMB, this was 94% and 97% respectively. Regarding lesion size, the groups had considerable overlap: no cut-off size for RA could be distinguished with high sensitivity and specificity. Conclusion Intermetatarsal and submetatarsal bursitis associated with early rheumatoid arthritis, contributing to the emerging evidence that inflammation of juxta-articular soft tissues is an early feature of RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yousra J Dakkak
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Ellis Niemantsverdriet
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Annette H M van der Helm-van Mil
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands. .,Department of Rheumatology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Monique Reijnierse
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Dakkak YJ, Boer AC, Boeters DM, Niemantsverdriet E, Reijnierse M, van der Helm-van Mil AHM. The relation between physical joint examination and MRI-depicted inflammation of metatarsophalangeal joints in early arthritis. Arthritis Res Ther 2020; 22:67. [PMID: 32245515 PMCID: PMC7118815 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-020-02162-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The relationship between physical joint examination (PE) and MRI-detected inflammation in early inflammatory arthritis has mostly been studied in the hands. Physical examination of MTP joints is considered difficult, and for these joints, this relationship is unknown. Therefore, we studied the concordance of PE with MRI inflammation in MTP joints. Metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints were included for comparison. METHODS One thousand seven hundred fifty-nine MTP(2-5) and 1750 MCP(2-5) joints of 441 consecutive patients with early arthritis underwent PE (for joint swelling) and MRI, all evaluated by two assessors. MRI was scored for synovitis, tenosynovitis, and osteitis (summed MRI inflammation). Synovial intermetatarsal bursae may enlarge upon inflammation and become palpable and were therefore also assessed. Analyses (frequencies, GEE) were performed on joint level. RESULTS PE and MRI were concordant in 79% of MTP joints. Of 1606 non-swollen MTP joints, 83% showed no MRI inflammation and 17% showed subclinical MRI inflammation. Of 153 swollen MTP joints, 48% had MRI inflammation and 52% (79 MTP joints) did not. Of these 79 swollen MTP joints without MRI inflammation, 31 showed intermetatarsal bursitis and 48 joints had none of these MRI abnormalities (this concerned 31% of swollen MTP joints). MTP swelling was statistically independently associated with tenosynovitis (OR 2.21, 95% CI 1.1-4.3) and intermetatarsal bursitis (OR 2.91, 95% CI 1.8-4.8). MTP joints showed subclinical inflammation less often than MCP joints (17% vs. 34%, P < 0.001). Swollen MTP joints showed MRI inflammation less often than swollen MCP joints (48% vs. 88%, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The absence of swelling of MTP joints in early arthritis is mostly accompanied by the absence of MRI-detected inflammation. Swollen MTP joints are, in addition to synovitis, also explained by tenosynovitis and intermetatarsal bursitis and partly unexplained by MRI. Their clinical relevance must be determined in longitudinal studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yousra J Dakkak
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC, Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - Aleid C Boer
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Debbie M Boeters
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Ellis Niemantsverdriet
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Monique Reijnierse
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
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