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Chen M, Cheng C, Peng H, Qi Y, Liu X, Cheng G, Zou C. Fatty Acids Composition of the Sacroiliac Joint in Axial Spondyloarthritis: Analysis Using 3.0 T Chemical Shift-Encoded MRI. J Magn Reson Imaging 2024; 60:1027-1034. [PMID: 38050865 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.29170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is a group of inflammatory diseases that may lead to ankylosis of the sacroiliac joint and spine. Fat lesion in the sacroiliac joint is an important feature in diagnosis and disease progression of axSpA. However, whether there is alteration of fatty acids (FAs) composition has not been investigated using MRI. PURPOSE To investigate bone marrow FA composition of the sacroiliac joint in patients with axSpA compared to controls. STUDY TYPE Prospective. SUBJECTS Eighty five participants (mean age, 32.3 ± 6.1 years): 48 axSpA (25 male, 23 female) and 37 non-SpA controls (18 male, 19 female). FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE 3.0 T/Two multiple gradient-echo chemical shift-encoded (CSE) MRI which differed only in echo times (TEs) were scanned consecutively. ASSESSMENT Axial multi-echo CSE MRI was performed in the sacroiliac joints in vivo. Regions of interest (ROIs) were manually placed on subchondral bone with and without fat lesion in axSpA patients, and on subchondral bone without fat lesion in controls. FA composition was computed within the ROIs using a nonlinear least square method from literature. STATISTICAL TESTS Intergroup comparisons were performed using t tests. RESULTS In axSpA, male patients had significantly higher monounsaturated FA compared to controls in areas with fat lesion in the sacrum (+12%) and in the ilium (+9%), and in areas without fat lesion in the sacrum (+10%). Significantly lower polyunsaturated FAs were found in areas with fat lesion in the sacrum (-10%) and ilium (-11%), and lower saturated FAs were found in areas without fat lesion in the sacrum (-6%). In female, patients with axSpA had significantly higher saturated FAs in areas with fat lesion in the ilium (+7%) in comparison to controls. DATA CONCLUSION FA composition of the sacroiliac joint alters in patients with axSpA, and it can be detected using CSE MRI based analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Chen
- Department of Radiology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Department of Radiology, Southern University of Science and Technology Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chuanli Cheng
- Paul C. Lauterbur Research Center for Biomedical Imaging, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- Imaging Research Institute of Innovative Medical Equipment, Shenzhen, China
| | - Hao Peng
- Paul C. Lauterbur Research Center for Biomedical Imaging, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yulong Qi
- Department of Radiology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xin Liu
- Paul C. Lauterbur Research Center for Biomedical Imaging, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Guanxun Cheng
- Department of Radiology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chao Zou
- Department of Radiology, Southern University of Science and Technology Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Paul C. Lauterbur Research Center for Biomedical Imaging, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
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de Hooge M, van der Heijde D. Disease modification in axial spondyloarthritis - still a controversy? Curr Opin Rheumatol 2024; 36:302-308. [PMID: 38712691 DOI: 10.1097/bor.0000000000001025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review evaluates recent advancements in disease-modifying therapies for axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). RECENT FINDINGS A recent study could not demonstrate an additional effect of NSAID therapy on golimumab [Tumor Necrosis Factor-α inhibitor (TNFi)] on structural progression; however, this might be due to the fact that the study was underpowered. While DMARDs have shown promise in suppressing inflammation, their impact on structural progression remains uncertain. A well powered trial showed no difference in spinal progression between secukinumab [Interleukin17A inhibitor (IL17Ai)] and adalimumab-biosimilar (TNFi). Preliminary data on Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi) focus on MRI findings but lack evidence on radiographic spinal progression. While some studies suggest promising outcomes, others reveal limitations and inconclusive findings. SUMMARY Recent studies explore the effectiveness of NSAIDs, biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs like TNFi and IL-17i, as well as JAK inhibitors in axSpA. Conflicting evidence surrounds these therapies' ability to impede structural progression, with challenges in study design and interpretation. Moreover, changes in demographics and treatment methods underscore the importance of examining trends over time when assessing disease outcomes. Ultimately, ongoing research could benefit from new imaging tools when evaluating therapeutic strategies for modifying disease progression in axSpA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manouk de Hooge
- Department of Rheumatology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
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de Hooge M, Stal R, Sepriano A, Baraliakos X, Reijnierse M, Braun J, van der Heijde D, van Gaalen FA, Ramiro S. Inflammation in the posterior elements, in particular the facet joint and facet joint ankylosis over 2-year follow-up in radiographic axial spondyloarthritis. RMD Open 2024; 10:e004199. [PMID: 38851237 PMCID: PMC11163638 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2024-004199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess the association of posterior element (PE) and facet joint (FJ) inflammation with subsequent new FJ ankylosis (FJA) on MRI, in patients with radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (r-axSpA). METHODS Patients from the Sensitive Imaging in Ankylosing Spondylitis cohort, inclusion criteria r-axSpA and ≥1 radiographic spinal syndesmophyte, were studied. MRI of the full spinal was performed at baseline, 1 and 2 years. PE/FJ inflammatory lesions and FJA were assessed per vertebral unit (VU) level by three readers. With multilevel time-lagged autoregressive generalised estimated equations, the association between PE/FJ inflammation and the subsequent development of FJA was investigated, taking the reader and VU levels into account. RESULTS Out of the 58 patients with at least 2 reader scores available, mean age 49 (SD 10) years, 84% men, 59% had baseline PE inflammation, 24% had FJ inflammation and 26% had FJA. PE inflammation was more prevalent in the lower thoracic spine and FJ inflammation in the upper thoracic spine. VU with PE or FJ inflammation showed subsequent new FJA in two and one VU levels, respectively. The probability of developing FJA doubled with prior FJ inflammation. In multilevel analysis, FJ inflammation was associated with subsequent FJA (OR=3.8, 95% CI: 1.5 to 9.8), while no association was found between PE inflammation and new FJA (OR=1.2 (0.6-2.4)). CONCLUSIONS FJ inflammation is rare in severe r-axSpA, but when present, the likelihood of developing subsequent FJA is over three times higher compared with FJ without inflammation. This finding contributes to the understanding of the relationship between inflammation and ankylosis at the same anatomical location in patients with axSpA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manouk de Hooge
- Department of Rheumatology, UZ Gent, Gent, Oost-Vlaanderen, Belgium
| | - Roos Stal
- Department of Rheumatology, LUMC, Leiden, Zuid-Holland, The Netherlands
| | - Alexandre Sepriano
- Department of Rheumatology, LUMC, Leiden, Zuid-Holland, The Netherlands
- CHRC Campus Nova Medical School, Lisboa, Portugal
| | | | | | - Jürgen Braun
- Rheumatologisches Versorgungszentrum Steglitz, Berlin, Germany
- Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | | | | | - Sofia Ramiro
- Department of Rheumatology, LUMC, Leiden, Zuid-Holland, The Netherlands
- Zuyderland Medical Centre, Heerlen, Limburg, The Netherlands
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Micheroli R, Kissling S, Bürki K, Möller B, Finckh A, Nissen MJ, Exer P, Bräm R, Kyburz D, Rubbert-Roth A, Andor M, Baraliakos X, de Hooge M, Distler O, Scherer A, Ciurea A. Anaemia is associated with higher disease activity in axial spondyloarthritis but is not an independent predictor of spinal radiographic progression: data from the Swiss Clinical Quality Management Registry. Clin Rheumatol 2023; 42:2377-2385. [PMID: 37289315 PMCID: PMC10412502 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-023-06662-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE As anaemia represents a biomarker for increased radiographic damage in rheumatoid arthritis, we aimed to investigate whether it independently predicts spinal radiographic progression in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). METHODS AxSpA patients with available haemoglobin levels from the prospective Swiss Clinical Quality Management Registry were included for comparison of patients with and without anaemia. Spinal radiographic progression was assessed according to the modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spinal Score (mSASSS) in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) if ≥ 2 sets of spinal radiographs were available every 2 years. The relationship between anaemia and progression (defined as an increase ≥ 2 mSASSS units in 2 years) was analysed with generalized estimating equation models after adjustment for the Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) and potential confounding, as well as after multiple imputations of missing values. RESULTS A total of 212/2522 axSpA patients presented with anaemia (9%). Anaemic patients had higher clinical disease activity, higher acute phase reactants and more severe impairments in physical function, mobility and quality of life. In the subgroup of patients with AS (N = 433), a comparable mSASSS progression was found in anaemic and non-anaemic patients (OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.25 to 1.96, p = 0.49). Age, male sex, baseline radiographic damage and ASDAS were associated with enhanced progression. The results were confirmed in complete case analyses and with progression defined as the formation of ≥ 1 syndesmophyte in 2 years. CONCLUSION Although anaemia was associated with higher disease activity in axSpA, it did not additionally contribute to the prediction of spinal radiographic progression. Key Points • Anaemia is associated with higher disease activity and more severely impaired physical function, mobility and quality of life in axSpA. • Anaemia does not provide an additional value to ASDAS for prediction of spinal radiographic progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphael Micheroli
- Department of Rheumatology, Zurich University Hospital, University of Zurich, Gloriastrasse 25, CH-8091, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Kristina Bürki
- Department of Rheumatology, Zurich University Hospital, University of Zurich, Gloriastrasse 25, CH-8091, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Burkhard Möller
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Inselspital, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Axel Finckh
- Department of Rheumatology, Geneva University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Michael J Nissen
- Department of Rheumatology, Geneva University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Pascale Exer
- Gemeinschaftspraxis Rheuma-Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - René Bräm
- Swiss Ankylosing Spondylitis Association, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Diego Kyburz
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Rubbert-Roth
- Deparment of Rheumatology, Cantonal Hospital St, Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Michael Andor
- Rheumatologie Im Zürcher Oberland, Uster, Switzerland
| | | | - Manouk de Hooge
- Department of Rheumatology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Oliver Distler
- Department of Rheumatology, Zurich University Hospital, University of Zurich, Gloriastrasse 25, CH-8091, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Almut Scherer
- Swiss Clinical Quality Management Foundation, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Adrian Ciurea
- Department of Rheumatology, Zurich University Hospital, University of Zurich, Gloriastrasse 25, CH-8091, Zurich, Switzerland.
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Stal R, Ramiro S, van der Heijde D, van Gaalen FA, Baraliakos X, Machado PM, de Hooge M, van den Berg R, Reijnierse M, Braun J, Landewé R, Sepriano A. Do fatty lesions explain the effect of inflammation on new syndesmophytes in patients with radiographic axial spondyloarthritis? Results from the SIAS cohort and ASSERT trial. RMD Open 2023; 9:e003118. [PMID: 37407237 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2023-003118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine how much of the effect of vertebral corner inflammation on development of syndesmophytes is explained by vertebral corner fat deposition. METHODS Patients with radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (r-axSpA) from the SIAS (Sensitive Imaging in Ankylosing Spondylitis) cohort and ASSERT (Ankylosing Spondylitis Study for the Evaluation of Recombinant Infliximab Therapy) trial were assessed at T0, T1 (SIAS: 1 year; ASSERT: 24 weeks) and T2 (2 years). Syndesmophytes assessed in each vertebral corner by whole spine low-dose CT (SIAS) or spinal radiographs (ASSERT) at T0 and T2 were considered present if seen by two of two readers. Inflammation (T0) and fat deposition (T0 and T1) on MRI were present if seen by ≥2 of 3 readers (SIAS) or 2 of 2 readers (ASSERT). Vertebral corners showing fat deposition or a syndesmophyte at baseline were ignored. Mediation analysis was applied to determine what proportion of the total effect of inflammation on syndesmophyte formation could be explained via the path of intermediate fat deposition. RESULTS Forty-nine SIAS patients (with 2667 vertebral corners) and 168 ASSERT patients (with 2918 vertebral corners) were analysed. The presence of inflammation at T0 increased the probability of a new syndesmophyte in the same vertebral corner at T2 by 9.3%. Of this total effect, 0.2% (2% (0.2 of 9.3) of the total effect) went via intermediate new fat deposition. In ASSERT, the total effect was 7.3%, of which 0.8% (10% of the total effect) went via new fat deposition. CONCLUSION In r-axSpA, vertebral corner inflammation may lead to syndesmophyte formation but in a minority of cases via visible fat deposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosalinde Stal
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Sofia Ramiro
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Rheumatology, Zuyderland Medical Center, Heerlen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Floris A van Gaalen
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Pedro M Machado
- Centre for Rheumatology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Manouk de Hooge
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- VIB Center of Inflammation Research, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Rosaline van den Berg
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Juergen Braun
- Rheumazentrum Ruhrgebiet, Ruhr University Bochum, Herne, Germany
| | - Robert Landewé
- Rheumatology, Zuyderland Medical Center, Heerlen, The Netherlands
- Clinical Immunology & Rheumatology, Amsterdam UMC Locatie AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Alexandre Sepriano
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Rheumatology, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
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Ward MM, Tan S. Syndesmophyte Growth in Ankylosing Spondylitis: from Laboratory to Bedside. Curr Rheumatol Rep 2023:10.1007/s11926-023-01104-x. [PMID: 37126093 DOI: 10.1007/s11926-023-01104-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This study aims to review recent studies on risk factors for syndesmophyte growth in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and on treatment effects. RECENT FINDINGS New genetic studies, including a genome-wide association study, provided only limited evidence of specific genetic associations with radiographic severity. Measures of inflammation, including vertebral osteitis and C-reactive protein level, were strongly associated with radiographic progression, while studies of adipokines had mixed results. Mesenchymal stem cells from HLA-B27 positive AS patients were found to promote vertebral ossification via a pathway of B27 misfolding, retinoic acid receptor-β activation, and increased bone alkaline phosphatase. Low vertebral trabecular bone density is associated with syndesmophyte growth, with reciprocal effects when bridged. Several observational studies suggested radiographic severity was reduced by treatment with tumor necrosis factor inhibitors, particularly when longer than 2 years. Syndesmophyte development in AS is the result of a complex, incompletely understood, interplay of inflammatory and mechanical factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael M Ward
- Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Building 10CRC, Room 4-1339, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
| | - Sovira Tan
- Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Building 10CRC, Room 4-1339, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
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Marques ML, Pereira da Silva N, van der Heijde D, Stal R, Baraliakos X, Braun J, Reijnierse M, Bastiaenen C, Ramiro S, van Gaalen FA. Inflammation, bone loss and 2-year bone formation at the same vertebra in axial spondyloarthritis: a multilevel MRI and low-dose CT analysis. RMD Open 2023; 9:rmdopen-2022-002836. [PMID: 36759008 PMCID: PMC9923353 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2022-002836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate whether in radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (r-axSpA) inflammation is associated with lower trabecular bone density (TBD), and subsequently, if a lower TBD increases the likelihood of 2-year bone formation at the same vertebra. METHODS Whole spine (C3-L5) data from patients included in the multicentre 2-year Sensitive Imaging in Ankylosing Spondylitis cohort was used. Two readers measured baseline TBD by Hounsfield units (HU) on low-dose CT (ldCT). Baseline MRI bone marrow oedema (BME) status scores and ldCT syndesmophyte formation and/or growth change-from-baseline scores were assessed by three and two readers, respectively. Average of readers' continuous measurements or readers' agreement in binary scores generated within the same vertebra (1-present in ≥1 quadrant/0-absent in all quadrants) were used. Multilevel generalised estimating equations models were used, the unit of analysis being the vertebra. RESULTS In 50 patients with r-axSpA, TBD HU decreased from cranial to caudal vertebrae. Baseline MRI-BME was present in 300/985 (30%) and syndesmophytes in 588/910 (65%) vertebrae, both most prevalent at thoracolumbar region. Syndesmophyte formation or growth was observed in 18% of at-risk vertebrae (124/691). A significant confounder-adjusted association was found between inflammation and lower TBD (regression coefficient=-51; 95% CI-63 to -39). TBD was not associated with 2-year syndesmophyte formation or growth (adjusted OR 1.00; 95% CI 0.99 to 1.00). CONCLUSION In r-axSpA, while vertebral inflammation was associated with lower vertebral TBD, lower vertebral TBD itself did not increase the risk for new bone formation at the same vertebra. In preventing syndesmophyte progression, targeting local inflammation seems more important than targeting vertebral trabecular bone loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Lucy Marques
- Rheumatology department, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands .,Rheumatology department, Centro Hospitalar e Universitario de Coimbra EPE, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Nuno Pereira da Silva
- Radiology department, Centro Hospitalar e Universitario de Coimbra EPE, Coimbra, Portugal
| | | | - Rosalinde Stal
- Rheumatology department, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | | | - Juergen Braun
- Rheumazentrum Ruhrgebiet, Ruhr University Bochum, Herne, Germany
| | - Monique Reijnierse
- Radiology department, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | | | - Sofia Ramiro
- Rheumatology department, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands,Rheumatology department, Zuyderland Medical Centre, Heerlen, Netherlands
| | - Floris A van Gaalen
- Rheumatology department, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
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Marques ML, da Silva NP, van der Heijde D, Reijnierse M, Baraliakos X, Braun J, van Gaalen F, Ramiro S. Hounsfield Units measured in low dose CT reliably assess vertebral trabecular bone density changes over two years in axial spondyloarthritis. Semin Arthritis Rheum 2023; 58:152144. [PMID: 36521287 DOI: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2022.152144] [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: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To describe low dose Computed Tomography (ldCT) Hounsfield Units (HU) two-year change-from-baseline values (expressing trabecular bone density changes) and analyse their inter-reader reliability per vertebra in radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (r-axSpA). METHODS We used 49 patients with r-axSpA from the multicentre two-year Sensitive Imaging in Ankylosing Spondylitis (SIAS) study. LdCT HU were independently measured by two trained readers at baseline and two years. Mean (standard deviation, SD) for the change-from-baseline HU values were provided per vertebra by reader. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC; absolute agreement, two-way random effect), Bland-Altman plots and smallest detectable change (SDC) were obtained. Percentages of vertebrae in which readers agreed on the direction of change and on change >|SDC| were computed. RESULTS Overall, 1,053 (98% of all possible) vertebrae were assessed by each reader both at baseline and two years. Over two years, HU mean change values varied from -23 to 28 and 29 for reader 1 and 2, respectively. Inter-reader reliability of the two-year change-from-baseline values per vertebra was excellent: ICC:0.91-0.99; SDC:6-10; Bland-Altman plots were homoscedastic, with negligible systematic error between readers. Readers agreed on the direction of change in 88-96% and on change >|SDC| in 58-94% of vertebrae, per vertebral level, from C3 to L5. Overall, similar results were obtained across all vertebrae. CONCLUSION LdCT measurement of HU is a reliable method to assess two-year changes in trabecular bone density at each vertebra from C3-L5. Being reliable across all vertebrae, this methodology can aid the study of trabecular bone density changes over time in r-axSpA, a disease affecting the whole spine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Lucy Marques
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands; Department of Rheumatology, Coimbra University Hospital, Coimbra, Portugal.
| | | | | | - Monique Reijnierse
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | | | - Juergen Braun
- Rheumazentrum Ruhrgebiet Herne, Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany.
| | - Floris van Gaalen
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - Sofia Ramiro
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands; Department of Rheumatology, Zuyderland Medical Center, Herleen, the Netherlands
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Lee KA, Lee SY, Kim SH, Kim HS, Kim HR, Lee SH. Computed tomography-based assessment of radiographic progression in spine and sacroiliac joints after pregnancy in women with radiographic axial spondyloarthritis. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:970546. [PMID: 36590955 PMCID: PMC9800050 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.970546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mechanical stress are one of the pathogenesis of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). During pregnancy, the mechanical overload on the spine and pelvis increases due to gravid uterus. We aimed to investigate whether pregnancy affects radiographic progression in patients with radiographic axSpA (r-axSpA) based on computed tomography (CT) evaluations. Materials and methods This retrospective study included women with r-axSpA aged 19-49 years who underwent at least two CT evaluations of the whole spine and/or sacroiliac joints (SIJs) at intervals of 2-4 years. To compare radiographic progression after delivery, we classified the patients into two groups: delivery group and controls. The delivery group was restricted to women who had the first CT ∼2 years before delivery and the second CT ∼2 years after delivery. The CT Syndesmophyte Score (CTSS) (0-522) and SIJ scores (0-40) were used to evaluate spinal syndesmophytes and erosion, joint space narrowing, and sclerosis of the SIJs. Results A total of 21 women in the delivery group and 38 women in the control group were included. The median (Q1-Q3) CTSS at baseline in the delivery group and controls was 19 (16-23) and 20 (13.25-27.75), and the median progression was 1 (0-3) and 0 (0-1) during the median 2.9-year follow-up, respectively. The median (Q1-Q3) SIJ score at baseline in the delivery group and controls was 13 (8-22) and 11 (6-22), and the median progression was 1.5 (0-3) and 1 (0-2), respectively. Using cut-off 0.5, 52.9, and 61.9% of r-axSpA patients and 39.3 and 44.4% of controls showed progression of whole spine and SIJs, respectively. However, no difference in proportion of spinal and SIJ progression and absolute score changes per time point was observed between two groups. Moreover, the SIJ score changes were comparable according to the delivery method. Conclusion Pregnancy and delivery do not affect the radiographic progression of the spine and SIJs in women with r-axSpA assessed by CT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyung-Ann Lee
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital, School of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - So Yun Lee
- Department of Rheumatology, Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong, College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Se Hee Kim
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Konkuk University Medical Center, Research Institute of Medical Science, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Sook Kim
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital, School of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hae-Rim Kim
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Konkuk University Medical Center, Research Institute of Medical Science, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Hoon Lee
- Department of Rheumatology, Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong, College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Braun J. Significance of structural changes in the axial skeleton in patients with axial spondyloarthritis: how important are lesions in the sacroiliac joint? RMD Open 2022; 8:e002822. [PMID: 36517187 PMCID: PMC9756280 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2022-002822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory back pain (IBP) is a characteristic clinical symptom of patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) that is caused by inflammation in the axial skeleton. In early disease stages the sacroiliac joints (SIJ) are most often affected, the spine usually at later stages. In many but clearly not all cases of axSpA new bone formation in form of syndesmophytes and ankylosis occur in the further course of the disease. Function and mobility may be impaired by both, inflammation and structural changes. In clinical trials outcome parameters most often used refer to pain, disease activity, function, mobility and global health but many researchers are also interested in radiographic progression in the axial skeleton of patients with axSpA. This viewpoint discusses the relevance of structural changes in the SIJ in comparison to the spine and in relation to functional outcomes and mobility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juergen Braun
- Rheumazentrum Ruhrgebiet, Ruhr Universität Bochum, Herne, NRW, Germany
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