ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate 3-dimensional (3D) ultrasonography for the visualization of intra-articular synovial hypertrophy in patients with osteoarthritis. METHODS: Knee joints of 22 patients with osteoarthritis were examined by 3D ultrasonography, and their synovial fluids were analyzed. Ultrasonographic image patterns, vascular endothelial growth factor and transforming growth factor beta concentrations in synovial fluid, and serum inflammatory markers were analyzed. RESULTS: It was possible to visualize the intra-articular structure by 3D ultrasonography. Three-dimensional ultrasonography revealed various interesting stereoscopic views of the synovial structures, and the patterns of synovial proliferation ranged from simple proliferations to complex shrubby structures. Patients with a more complex and proliferative pattern in the synovium tended to have higher C-reactive protein concentrations, but this difference was not significant (P = .09). The concentrations of vascular endothelial growth factor and transforming growth factor beta in synovial fluid were significantly higher in patients with complex hypertrophy (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Three-dimensional technology was useful in delineating the shape of the synovium. It may have a possible impact on future imaging in rheumatology.
Subject(s)
Imaging, Three-Dimensional/methods , Osteoarthritis, Knee/diagnostic imaging , Synovial Membrane/diagnostic imaging , Analgesics/therapeutic use , Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal/therapeutic use , Blood Sedimentation , C-Reactive Protein/analysis , Female , Humans , Hypertrophy , Inflammation Mediators/blood , Lymphotoxin-alpha/analysis , Male , Middle Aged , Osteophyte/diagnostic imaging , Osteophyte/pathology , Synovial Fluid/chemistry , Synovial Fluid/cytology , Synovial Fluid/diagnostic imaging , Synovial Membrane/pathology , Ultrasonography , Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A/analysisABSTRACT
We annually evaluated (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography/ computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) scans for three consecutive years in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis. The inflammatory activity of the rheumatoid synovium was visualized in coronal and transverse sections by FDG-PET/CT. The extent and area of the synovial inflammation was relatively well delineated, and this technique was more informative in detecting inflammation than were conventional X-rays.
Subject(s)
Arthritis, Rheumatoid/diagnostic imaging , Fluorodeoxyglucose F18 , Knee/diagnostic imaging , Synovitis/diagnostic imaging , Female , Fluorodeoxyglucose F18/metabolism , Humans , Positron-Emission Tomography , Tomography, X-Ray ComputedABSTRACT
Recent technical advances in computed tomography (CT) and the introduction of three-dimensional (3D) image reconstruction through computer systems make distinct visualization of tiny defects in the hand and wrist a feasible task. Three wrists from three patients -- two of whom are patients with rheumatoid arthritis and one with osteoarthritis -- were evaluated by 3D CT. Images were obtained with a multidetector-row CT scanner. Bony wrist structures including erosions were observed in the patients with arthritis by means of 3D CT. 3D CT could clearly visualize bone-erosive lesions. It also revealed various interesting stereoscopic views of bony structures unattainable with conventional radiographic studies. 3D CT may serve to be interesting in future imaging studies in the rheumatology field.
Subject(s)
Arthritis, Rheumatoid/diagnostic imaging , Tomography, X-Ray Computed , Wrist Joint/diagnostic imaging , HumansABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The genetic determinants for developing TB or having recurrent TB are unknown. The present study investigated the relationship between susceptibility to tuberculosis and human tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-10 genes (IL-10). METHODS: A case-control study was conducted using two groups of cases--newly diagnosed TB (N-TB) and recurrent TB (R-TB)--and a control group. RESULTS: One hundred and seventeen healthy controls, 80 newly diagnosed TB patients and 65 patients with recurrent TB were enrolled. There was no significant difference in the TNF-alpha-308 G/A genotype between the TB patient groups and the controls. The IL-10 -1082A alleles were markedly over-represented among the TB patient groups compared with the control subjects, however, there was no significant difference in the IL-10 genotype frequency between the N-TB and R-TB patient groups. CONCLUSION: The -1082A allele of the IL-10 gene may be important in determining susceptibility to TB, however, the -308 allele of the TNF-alpha gene does not affect differential TB susceptibility.
Subject(s)
Genetic Predisposition to Disease/genetics , Interleukin-10/genetics , Polymorphism, Genetic , Tuberculosis, Pulmonary/genetics , Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/genetics , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Female , Genotype , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , RecurrenceABSTRACT
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic necroinflammatory liver disease of unknown cause associated with circulating autoantibodies and high serum globulin level. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a disease of unknown etiology in which tissues and cells are damaged by pathogenic autoantibodies and immune complex, affecting multiple organs including the liver, kidney, and CNS. The difference between the hepatic involvement of SLE and autoimmune hepatitis has not been clearly defined in the past due to similarities in clinical and biochemical features. A scoring system for the diagnosis of AIH has been established, and AIH and SLE-associated hepatitis have been defined as two different entities, although both have the same autoimmune features such as polyarthralgia, hypergammaglobulinemia and circulating autoantibodies. AIH has been considered to occur infrequently in SLE. We report two cases of AIH which simultaneously satisfied the criteria of SLE.
