The existence of “reversible” joint deformity characterizes Jaccoud arthropathy (JA), a deforming nonerosive arthropathy. For a study, researchers sought to describe the major musculoskeletal ultrasound (US) findings of a group of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who have JA. The research comprised consecutive participants with JA and SLE. All patients were subjected to a comprehensive clinical examination as well as an ultrasound of the hands and wrists. Synovial hypertrophy, tenosynovitis, and bone erosions were all detected by the US scan.

Thirty-nine of the forty patients were women. The 560 hand and wrist joints examined in the United States were examined. In the US study of 20 patients (50.0%), at least one alteration was identified, however, there was no statistically significant relationship with disease activity (P = 0.33). Nineteen patients (47.5%) had synovial hypertrophy, nine (22.5%) had tenosynovitis, and seven (17.5%) had both. In two patients, isolated minor bone erosions were discovered (5.0% ).

For the assessment of joint involvement in SLE, ultrasound examination was a valid and noninvasive imaging approach. Half of all JA patients exhibited ultrasonographic evidence of joint inflammation, and these abnormalities could be seen even when the illness was not active.

Reference:journals.lww.com/jclinrheum/Abstract/2018/03000/Sonographic_Findings_of_Hands_and_Wrists_in.3.aspx

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