[Involvement of the foot in metabolic diseases]. / Atteintes du pied dans les maladies métaboliques.

In the acute stage of gout, the hallux is most commonly involved followed by the mediotarsal joints and the Achilles tendons. Diagnosis of gout is established when typical monosodium urate crystals can be identified. Apart from NSAIDs, colchicine can be used when there is no renal impairment. Hypouricemic agents (allopurinol or uricosuric drugs) must be initiated one or two weeks after the acute attack of gout because there are risks of exacerbation. Losartan as well as fenofibrate have uricosuric properties. Chondrocalcinosis of the foot can be observed in hemochromatosis. Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) can cause severe talagia. Hypercholesterolemia can induce xanthomas of the Achilles tendons. Apatite rheumatism can be observed in chronic dialysis patients.

[Apatite deposition diseases]. / Les rhumatismes apatitiques.

Deposition of apatite crystals can be observed as calcific periarthritis and articular calcifications. Deposition of these crystals in the tendons and bursae of the rotator cuff of the shoulder is found in about 3% of adults; it is most of the time asymptomatic. Calcifications often totally disappear after an acute flare up. Intraarticular apatite crystals can be identified in synovial fluids of patients with severe destructive osteoarthrosis, mainly of the shoulder joints. Management with NSAID's and local corticosteroid injections is often very helpful. In rare cases the aspiration with a needle of a calcification or an operative removal is necessary.

CPPD crystal deposition disease in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

The aim of this study was to assess the frequency and the outcome of patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis in which calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) crystal deposits were found to coexist in synovial fluid analysis. Such association was more frequent than previously believed with CPPD crystals found in 25.8% of 93 patients with rheumatoid arthritis. As a group, a trend toward a worse outcome was suggested by more frequent prostheses of the lower limb.

[Reactive arthritis induced by Clostridium difficile enteritis]. / Monoarthrite associée à une entérocolite à Clostridium difficile.

This article reports the case of an acute monoarthritis of the ankle occurring in a HLA-B27 positive female patient who presented with diarrhea and fever. We retained the hypothesis of a Clostridium difficile colitis, as she had previously received an antibiotic treatment. The culture of the synovial fluid remained sterile, which postulated that this arthritis was reactive. The diagnosis was confirmed by the presence of toxins A and B in the stool and positive culture. The outcome was satisfactory with metronidazole therapy.

[Bilateral shoulder-hand syndrome revealing hypothyroidism and colon carcinoma]. / Syndrome épaule-main bilatéral révélateur d'une hypothyroïdie et d'un carcinome du côlon.

The autors describe a case of a bilateral shoulder-hand syndrome. A Hashimoto's thyroiditis bound hypothyroidism was retained as promoting factor. Rheumatic manifestations amended slowly with a treatment of corticosteroids associated to thyroid hormones replacement. Eighteen months after the onset of the rheumatic complaints, a colorectal cancer was also diagnosed. The respective role of hypothyroidism and cancer in the emergence of this severe shoulder-hand syndrome is discussed.

[Calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate deposition disease in the transverse ligament of the atlas]. / Dépôts de cristaux de pyrophosphate de calcium dans le ligament transverse de l'atlas.

Calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) deposits, answerable for chondrocalcinosis, are frequently observed in elderly people. Involvement of the spine is not rare. We present the case of a woman hospitalised for an acute arthritis of the right knee related to CPPD crystal deposition disease who suffered from acute neck pain. The computerised tomography showed calcified deposits in the transverse ligament of the atlas highly suggestive of CPPD deposits. This localisation seems to be very common for CPPD deposits. These CPPD crystal deposits may induce pseudo-meningitic attacks or chronic mechanical neck pain. CPPD crystal deposits in the upper cervical spine should be diagnosed when the disease is quiet, in order to avoid unnecessary investigations and therapies when an acute cervical flare occurs.

How to keep a wet preparation of synovial fluid.

Identification of crystals in the synovial fluid (SF) is mandatory for the diagnosis of a microcrystal deposition arthropathy. In some cases, this analysis can be troublesome, especially in medical centers where a qualified practitioner is not continually present. Therefore, we investigated a method for preservation of a wet preparation of SF for 24 hours at room temperature. The procedure consisted in storing the preparation in a closed Petri plate whose bottom was covered by a cellulose compress moistened with saline (0.9% sodium chloride) separated from the slide by 2 wooden or glass sticks. The joint aspirates of 20 consecutive patients with various microcrystal arthropathies were read immediately after aspiration and reviewed after 24 hours on the slides stored according to the previously mentioned procedure. For 11 of the 20 cases, a second SF preparation was stored in normal conditions. The amounts of crystals were estimated semiquantitatively.Preparations stored in the Petri plates were clearly readable after 24 hours and crystals still identifiable on each slide. The amounts of crystals were still the same. After 24 hours, the preparations stored in normal conditions were dry, the shapes of the crystals were blurred, their amount was reduced, and birefringent artifacts were seen. In conclusion, when the amounts of SF are small and a skilled technician or a rheumatologist is not immediately available for reading the preparation, storing the wet preparation of SF in a moistened Petri plate can prove useful.

Arthritis is linked to local and systemic activation of coagulation and fibrinolysis pathways.

BACKGROUND: Activation of coagulation and fibrinolysis play a role in the pathophysiology of experimental arthritis. OBJECTIVE: To determine the extent of activation of the coagulation and fibrinolytic pathways in different joint diseases in humans and to ascertain the factors that may influence fibrin deposition within the joint. METHODS: Plasma from normal subjects (controls, n= 21) and plasma and synovial fluid samples from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA; n = 64), osteoarthritis (OA; n = 29), spondyloarthropathy (SpA; n = 22) and crystal arthritis (CA; n = 25) were analyzed for the levels of TF (tissue factor) and tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) activities, thrombin-antithrombin III (TAT) complexes, and F1 + 2 (thrombin fragment), fibrin d-dimer and thrombin-activated fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI) antigenic levels. The measurements were analyzed by pairwise correlation with each other as well as with standard parameters of inflammation [C-reactive protein (CRP), joint leukocyte count]. Inter-group comparisons were performed to look for disease-specific differences. RESULTS: Compared with healthy controls, patients with joint diseases had higher levels of TAT, F1 + 2 and d-dimers in their plasma. In the synovial fluid, TF activity, TAT, d-dimers, and TAFI were significantly higher in inflammatory arthritides than in OA. The levels were highest in RA patients. In the plasma, TF activity was correlated with TAT and d-dimer levels with CRP, TFPI, and TAT. In the synovial fluid, TF activity correlated with plasma CRP levels, synovial fluid leukocyte count, and synovial TAT and TAFI levels. In addition, synovial d-dimers correlated with CRP, and synovial TAFI levels were correlated with synovial F1 + 2 and TAT. CONCLUSIONS: Activation of the coagulation and fibrinolytic cascades in the joint and in the circulation is evident in both inflammatory and degenerative joint diseases. Within the joint, inflammatory mechanisms leading to TF-mediated activation of the coagulation pathway and subsequent fibrin deposition is the most likely explanation for the observed findings. In the plasma, the link between inflammation (CRP increase) and TF activation is weak, and a non-TF-mediated mechanism of coagulation activation could explain these findings. RA is characterized by significantly higher levels of TAT in the synovial fluid and plasma than other arthritides. Although fibrinolytic activity is linked to inflammation, the increased amounts of TAFI in the joint, particularly in RA, may explain why fibrin formation is so prominent in this condition compared with other joint diseases.

Effectiveness of a measurement feedback system on outcome in rheumatoid arthritis: a controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: With the help of a measurement feedback system, the treatment strategy for individual patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can be adjusted to achieve optimal control of disease activity. OBJECTIVE: To study whether a measurement feedback system is effective in reducing disease activity in patients with RA. METHODS: Forty eight rheumatologists and 264 patients participated in a controlled clinical trial. A three month control period was followed by a 12 month period, where feedback on disease activity, disability, and damage was provided to the rheumatologist. The primary outcome measure was the rheumatoid arthritis disease activity index (RADAI). RESULTS: The feedback system was used for 142/228 (62%) patients. Disease modifying antirheumatic drug changes occurred in 69/169 (41%) patients. In patients with high disease activity and feedback use (n=70), the RADAI decreased in the feedback period by -0.27 points per 30 days (p<0.05), as compared with the control period. Patients for whom the feedback system was used had a better outcome than non-users. CONCLUSION: Much more training on the use of a feedback system and outcome measures, as well as the inclusion of explicit treatment guidelines will be necessary to increase the clinical use of measurement feedback and, possibly, to reduce disease activity for a larger number of patients with RA.

Imaging of tophaceous gout: computed tomography provides specific images compared with magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasonography.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the usefulness of computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and Doppler ultrasonography (US) in providing specific images of gouty tophi. METHODS: Four male patients with chronic gout with tophi affecting the knee joints (three cases) or the olecranon processes of the elbows (one case) were assessed. Crystallographic analyses of the synovial fluid or tissue aspirates of the areas of interest were made with polarising light microscopy, alizarin red staining, and x ray diffraction. CT was performed with a GE scanner, MR imaging was obtained with a 1.5 T Magneton (Siemens), and ultrasonography with colour Doppler was carried out by standard technique. RESULTS: Crystallographic analyses showed monosodium urate (MSU) crystals in the specimens of the four patients; hydroxyapatite and calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) crystals were not found. A diffuse soft tissue thickening was seen on plain radiographs but no calcifications or ossifications of the tophi. CT disclosed lesions containing round and oval opacities, with a mean density of about 160 Hounsfield units (HU). With MRI, lesions were of low to intermediate signal intensity on T(1) and T(2) weighting. After contrast injection in two cases, enhancement of the tophus was seen in one. Colour Doppler US showed the tophi to be hypoechogenic with peripheral increase of the blood flow in three cases. CONCLUSION: The MR and colour Doppler US images showed the tophi as masses surrounded by a hypervascular area, which cannot be considered as specific for gout. But on CT images, masses of about 160 HU density were clearly seen, which correspond to MSU crystal deposits.

Comparative effects of losartan and irbesartan on serum uric acid in hypertensive patients with hyperuricaemia and gout.

OBJECTIVE: Losartan has been shown to increase urinary uric acid excretion and hence to lower serum uric acid levels. The purposes of the present study were: (1) to evaluate the effects of losartan on serum uric acid in hypertensive patients with hyperuricemia and gout, (2) to compare the effects of losartan with those of irbesartan, another angiotensin II receptor antagonist and (3) to evaluate whether losartan 50 mg b.i.d. has a greater impact on serum uric acid levels than losartan 50 mg once a day. METHODS: Thirteen hypertensive patients with hyperuricaemia and gout completed this prospective, randomized, double-blind, cross-over study. Uric acid-lowering drugs were stopped 3 weeks before the beginning of the study. Patients were randomized to receive either losartan 50 mg or irbesartan 150 mg once a day, for 4 weeks. During this phase, a placebo was given in the evening. After 4 weeks, the dose was increased to losartan 50 mg b.i.d., or irbesartan 150 mg b.i.d. for another 4 week period. Subsequently, the patients were switched to the alternative treatment modality. Enalapril (20 mg o.d.) was given during the run-in period and between the two treatment phases. Serum and urinary uric acid were measured at the beginning and at the end of each treatment phase. RESULTS: Our results show that losartan 50 mg once daily decreased serum uric acid levels from 538 +/- 26 to 491 +/- 20 micromol/l (P < 0.01). Irbesartan had no effect on serum uric acid. Increasing the dose of losartan from 50 mg o.d. to 50 mg twice a day, did not further decrease serum uric acid. This may in part be due to a low compliance to the evening dose as measured with an electronic device. Indeed, whatever the prescribed drug, the mean compliance of the evening dose was always significantly lower than that of the morning dose. The uricosuric effect of losartan appears to decrease with time when a new steady state of lower serum uric acid is reached. CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to irbesartan, losartan was uricosuric and decreased serum uric acid levels. Losartan 50 mg b.i.d. did not produce a greater fall in serum uric acid than losartan once a day. Losartan might be a useful therapeutic tool to control blood pressure and reduce serum uric acid levels in hypertensive patients with hyperuricaemia and gout.

Identification of case complexity and increased health care utilization in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVES: To document biopsychosocial profiles of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by means of the INTERMED and to correlate the results with conventional methods of disease assessment and health care utilization. METHODS: Patients with RA (n = 75) were evaluated with the INTERMED, an instrument for assessing case complexity and care needs. Based on their INTERMED scores, patients were compared with regard to severity of illness, functional status, and health care utilization. RESULTS: In cluster analysis, a 2-cluster solution emerged, with about half of the patients characterized as complex. Complex patients scoring especially high in the psychosocial domain of the INTERMED were disabled significantly more often and took more psychotropic drugs. Although the 2 patient groups did not differ in severity of illness and functional status, complex patients rated their illness as more severe on subjective measures and on most items of the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36. Complex patients showed increased health care utilization despite a similar biologic profile. CONCLUSIONS: The INTERMED identified complex patients with increased health care utilization, provided meaningful and comprehensive patient information, and proved to be easy to implement and advantageous compared with conventional methods of disease assessment. Intervention studies will have to demonstrate whether management strategies based on INTERMED profiles can improve treatment response and outcome of complex patients.

Local deposition of calcium pyrophosphate crystals in evolution of knee osteoarthritis.

The aim of the study was to investigate the frequency of development of local calcium pyrophosphate (CPPD) crystal deposition in patients with knee OA initially found negative for these crystals, as well as to discover whether prognostic indicators for this subset of patients can be found. A clinical follow-up of records of outpatients with idiopathic knee OA was established. An anteroposterior plain radiography of the knee joints was made initially and at the end of the observation period. The follow-up period needed to be more than 1 year. Patients were divided into two groups. The first included patients with knee OA who did not develop intra-articular CPPD crystal deposition during the observation period (OA group). The second included those patients whose X-rays or synovial fluid (SF) analysis in the follow-up showed these crystal deposits to be present (OA + CPPD group). There were 59 patients (42 women, 17 men) who met the selection criteria. During the observation period (8.1 + 7.4 years in the OA group, 10.4 +/- 6 years in the OA + CPPD group), intra-articular CPPD deposits were observed in 15 patients (25%): 10 on the X-rays, eight in the SF and three in both examinations. Age at diagnosis of OA and incidence of obesity were similar in both groups. There was a trend (P = 0.21) towards men developing intra-articular CPPD crystal deposits more frequently than women. OA in only one knee joint was significantly more frequent in the group with CPPD (P<0.01). Of those with CPPD deposits 40% required surgery at the end of the observation period, compared to 27.2% of those without deposits (P = 0.27). The waiting period before knee surgery was shorter in the OA + CPPD group but the difference was not statistically significant. In conclusion, local CPPD crystal deposition was observed in 25% of cases during the evolution of knee OA. No predictive factors were found. OA of the knee could, per se, favour the development of CPPD deposits. The occurrence of intra-articular CPPD deposits seemed to be related to a more rapid and severe evolution of OA of the knee.