Sacroiliac and spine imaging in spondyloarthritis: Does phenotype or sex matter?

BACKGROUND: Spondyloarthritis (SpA) encompasses a spectrum of immune-mediated inflammatory conditions primarily affecting the axial skeleton, including sacroiliitis and spondylitis, each with distinct features. This study aimed to investigate imaging disparities, focusing on sacroiliac magnetic resonance and spine radiography, across phenotypes and between males and females in axial SpA. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess clinical data, laboratory findings, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scores of sacroiliac joints using the Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada (SPARCC) and Sacroiliac Joint Structural Score (SSS), and cervical and lumbar spine radiographs utilizing the Modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spine Score (mSASSS). The study aimed to compare these parameters between two groups: axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA, radiographic and non-radiographic) and axial psoriatic arthritis (axPsA), as well as between males and females. RESULTS: Ninety-four patients were included, with 62 patients in the axSpA group and 32 patients in the axPsA group. There were no differences in disease activity, mobility, radiographic damage in the spine (Modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spine Score- mSASSS), or sacroiliac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scores (Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada Magnetic Resonance Imaging Index - SPARCC and Sacroiliac Joint Structural Score - SSS) between the two phenotypes. Regarding sex, in imaging exams, men had higher mSASSS (p = 0.008), SSS (p = 0.001), and fat metaplasia (MG) score based on SSS (p = 0.001), while women had significantly higher SPARCC scores (p = 0.039). In the male group, the presence of HLA-B27 allele had an impact on more structural lesions on MRI (SSS), p = 0.013. CONCLUSION: In this study, imaging of sacroiliac joints and spine in patients with axial SpA did not show differences in phenotypes but did reveal differences based on sex, which may have an impact on future diagnostic recommendations. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Relationship between sacroiliitis and inflammatory markers in familial Mediterranean fever

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Familial Mediterranean fever is the most common monogenic autoinflammatory disease. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between sacroiliitis observed in familial Mediterranean fever and hematological inflammatory markers. METHODS: In this study, 168 familial Mediterranean fever patients were examined. A total of 61 familial Mediterranean fever patients who had sacroiliac magnetic resonance imaging due to waist and hip pain were included in the study. According to the magnetic resonance imaging findings, patients were divided into two groups: with and without sacroiliitis. The relationship between hematological inflammatory markers and sacroiliitis was investigated. RESULTS: The frequency of sacroiliitis was found to be 13.6% in all familial Mediterranean fever patients and 37.8% in patients with low back pain who underwent sacroiliac magnetic resonance imaging. Neutrophil count, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, monocyte/lymphocyte ratio, and systemic immune-inflammatory index were significantly higher in the sacroiliitis group than in the other group, and this difference was found to be statistically significant (p<0.05). As a result of the receiver operating characteristic analysis, it was observed that neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, monocyte/lymphocyte ratio, and systemic immune-inflammatory index were very sensitive parameters in determining sacroiliitis in patients with familial Mediterranean fever. CONCLUSION: It was observed that the frequency of sacroiliitis was increased in familial Mediterranean fever patients. It is predicted that hematological inflammatory markers such as neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, monocyte/lymphocyte ratio, and systemic immune-inflammatory index can be used in the diagnosis of sacroiliitis.

Sacroileítis piógena en pediatría: reporte de caso y revisión de la literatura / Pediatric Pyogenic Sacroiliitis: Case Report and Literature Review / Sacroileíte piogênica em pediatria: relato de caso e revisão da literatura

Resumen: Las infecciones osteoarticulares en pacientes pediátricos están asociadas a morbilidad significativa y riesgo de secuelas funcionales o anatómicas, que requieren intervenciones quirúrgicas, en ciertas ocasiones. La sacroileítis piógena (SP) es una infección bacteriana osteoarticular que abarca un pequeño porcentaje del total de las artritis sépticas. La sintomatología es imprecisa, lo que hace retrasar el diagnóstico de la enfermedad y, consecuentemente, llevar a posibles complicaciones como abscesos, sepsis y deformación de las articulaciones. En la actualidad, la resonancia magnética nuclear (RMN) es el método diagnóstico más útil en razón a su relativamente fácil acceso y alta sensibilidad. El inicio del manejo antibiótico adecuado implica una rápida regresión de los síntomas. Presentamos el caso clínico de una paciente escolar atendida en un hospital de Bogotá, Colombia, quien presentó un cuadro de SP, sospechado con base en la anamnesis y examen físico para finalmente ser confirmado por imagenología y cultivo microbiológico.

Abstract: Osteoarticular infections in pediatric patients are associated with significant morbidity and the risk of functional and/or anatomical sequelae, often requiring surgical interventions. Pyogenic sacroiliitis is a rare bacterial infection affecting the osteoarticular region, accounting for a small percentage of all septic arthritis cases. The symptomatology is imprecise, leading to delayed diagnosis and potential complications such as abscesses, sepsis and joint deformities. Currently, nuclear magnetic resonance is the most useful diagnostic method due to its relatively easy accessibility and high sensitivity. Initiating appropriate antibiotic treatment results in a rapid regression of symptoms. We present the clinical case of a school- aged patient treated at a hospital in Bogotá, Colombia. The patient exhibited symptoms indicative of pyogenic sacroiliitis, suspected based on the anamnesis and physical examination, and later confirmed through imaging and microbiological culture.

Resumo: As infecções osteoarticulares em pacientes pediátricos estão associadas a morbidade significativa e risco de sequelas funcionais ou anatômicas, que podem requerer intervenções cirúrgicas em certas ocasiões. A sacroileíte piogênica (SP) é uma infecção bacteriana osteoarticular que abrange uma pequena porcentagem do total de artrites sépticas. A sintomatologia é imprecisa, o que pode atrasar o diagnóstico da doença e, consequentemente, levar a complicações como abscessos, sepse e deformação das articulações. Atualmente, a ressonância magnética nuclear (RMN) é o método diagnóstico mais útil devido ao seu acesso relativamente fácil e alta sensibilidade. O início do manejo antibiótico adequado implica uma rápida regressão dos sintomas. Apresentamos o caso clínico de uma paciente escolar atendida em um hospital em Bogotá, Colômbia, que apresentou um quadro de SP, suspeito com base na anamnese e exame físico, sendo posteriormente confirmado por imagem e cultura microbiológica.

[Sacroiliitis with Erysipelothrix Rhusiopathiae revealing tricuspid endocarditis, the first case reported on the Guiana Shield: clinical case and review of the literature]. / Sacro-Iliite à Erysipelothrix Rhusiopathiae révélant une endocardite tricuspide, premier cas rapporté sur le bouclier des Guyanes : cas clinique et revue de la littérature.

We report here an atypical case of acute sacroiliitis caused by Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae revealing tricuspid endocarditis in a 53-year-old woman without medical history. She was admitted to Cayenne hospital because of intense right hip and thigh pain, associated with fever. A right sacroiliitis was visible on the computed tomography (CT) scan, confirmed on MRI. Transesophageal echocardiography revealed a large mobile tricuspid vegetation. Blood cultures were positive for E. rhusiopathiae. CT scan showed pulmonary alveolar opacities, consistent with septic emboli. Clinical improvement was obtained under ceftriaxone followed by ciprofloxacin for 6 weeks of treatment. We present a review of bone and joint infections caused by E. rhusiopathiae. So far, not a single case has been reported in Latin America.

Brucellosis and sacroiliitis: A differential diagnosis to keep in mind / Sacroiliitis por brucelosis: Un diagnóstico diferencial para tener presente

ABSTRACT Brucellosis is a zoonosis that causes a multi-organ granulomatous infection. It has diverse and non-specific clinic features that can make diagnosis difficult. Medical personnel often do not recognize it early. Delayed treatment is associated with high morbidity and even mortality. Its timely diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion. The case is presented of a 35-year-old male zootechnologist, previously healthy, with a progressive picture of two months of evolution of irradiated low back pain to the left hip, nocturnal diaphoresis, and unintentional weight loss. Elevation of acute phase reactants was documented and magnetic resonance imaging found signs of iliopsoas tendonitis and inflammatory changes in the left sacroiliac joint. The IgG and IgM antibodies using an immunoassay forbrucella were positive. After establishing antibiotic treatment, a marked clinical improvement, with resolution of the inflammatory process was evident.

RESUMEN La brucelosis es una zoonosis que genera una infección granulomatosa multiorgánica. Tiene una clínica diversa e inespecífica que puede hacer difícil el diagnóstico. Con frecuencia, el personal médico no la reconoce de forma temprana. El retraso en el tratamiento se asocia con una gran morbilidad e incluso mortalidad. Su diagnóstico oportuno requiere un alto índice de sospecha. Se presenta el caso de un hombre de 35 arios, zootecnista, previamente sano, con un cuadro progresivo de dos meses de evolución de dolor lumbar irradiado a cadera izquierda, diaforesis nocturna y pérdida no intencional de peso. Se documentó elevación de reactantes de fase aguda y en la resonancia magnética se encontraron signos de tendinitis del psoas y cambios inflamatorios en la articulación sacroilíaca izquierda. Los anticuerpos IgG e IgM por inmunoensayo para Brucella fueron positivos, y luego de instaurar tratamiento antibiótico se evidenció marcada mejoría clínica con resolución del proceso inflamatorio.

Sacroileítis infecciosa secundaria a un absceso del iliopsoas ­ reporte de un caso / Infectious sacroiliitis secondary to an iliopsoas abscess ­ a case report

La sacroileítis infecciosa (SII), también descrita en la literatura como sacroileítis séptica o piógena, es una patología infrecuente, y su diagnóstico constituye un reto debido a su rareza relativa y la diversa presentación clínica, que frecuentemente imita otros trastornos más prevalentes originados en estructuras vecinas. Se requiere un alto índice de sospecha y un examen físico acucioso para un diagnóstico oportuno, mientras que los estudios de laboratorio y de imagen ayudan a confirmar el diagnóstico y dirigir la estrategia de tratamiento apropiada para evitar complicaciones y secuelas a corto y mediano plazos. Presentamos un caso de paciente de género femenino de 36 años, con cuadro clínico de SII izquierda, secundaria a un absceso del músculo iliopsoas, condición que generalmente se presenta como una complicación de la infección. Se realizaron los diagnósticos clínico, imagenológico y Biológico, se inició el tratamiento antibiótico oportuno, y se logró una excelente evolución clínica, sin secuelas

Infectious sacroiliitis (ISI), also described in the literature as septic or pyogenic sacroiliitis, is an infrequent pathology, and its diagnosis constitutes a challenge due to its relative rarity and the diverse clinical presentation, frequently imitating other more prevalent disorders originating in neighboring structures. A high index of suspicion and a thorough physical examination are required in order to establish an opportune diagnosis, while laboratory and imaging studies help confirm the diagnosis and direct the appropriate treatment strategy to avoid complications and sequelae in the short and medium terms. We herein present a case of a female patient aged 36 years, with a clinical picture of left ISI, secondary to an iliopsoas muscle abscess, a condition that usually presents as a complication of the infection. The clinical, imaging and microbiological diagnoses were made, the timely antibiotic treatment was initiated, and an excellent clinical evolution without sequelae was achieved.

Radiomic Quantification for MRI Assessment of Sacroiliac Joints of Patients with Spondyloarthritis.

Spondyloarthritis (SpA) is a group of diseases primarily involving chronic inflammation of the spine and peripheral joints, as evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Considering the complexity of SpA, we performed a retrospective study to discover quantitative/radiomic MRI-based features correlated with SpA. We also investigated different fat-suppression MRI techniques to develop detection models for inflammatory sacroiliitis. Finally, these model results were compared with those of experienced musculoskeletal radiologists, and the concordance level was evaluated. Examinations of 46 consecutive patients were obtained using SPAIR (spectral attenuated inversion recovery) and STIR (short tau inversion recovery) MRI sequences. Musculoskeletal radiologists manually segmented the sacroiliac joints for further extraction of 230 MRI features from gray-level histogram/matrices and wavelet filters. These features were associated with sacroiliitis, SpA, and the current biomarkers of ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate), CRP (C-reactive protein), BASDAI (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Activity Index), BASFI (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index), and MASES (Maastricht Ankylosing Spondylitis Enthesis Score). The Mann-Whitney U test showed that the radiomic markers from both MRI sequences were associated with active sacroiliitis and with SpA and its axial and peripheral subtypes (p < 0.05). Spearman's coefficient also identified a correlation between MRI markers and data from clinical practice (p < 0.05). Fat-suppression MRI models yielded performances that were statistically equivalent to those of specialists and presented strong concordance in identifying inflammatory sacroiliitis. SPAIR and STIR acquisition protocols showed potential for the evaluation of sacroiliac joints and the composition of a radiomic model to support the clinical assessment of SpA.

Recommendations of the Mexican College of Rheumatology for the Management of Spondyloarthritis. / Recomendaciones del Colegio Mexicano de Reumatología para el manejo de las espondiloartritis.

OBJECTIVES: To update the recommendations for the management of patients with Spondyloarthritis (SpA) in the Mexican population, and identify which variables could influence patient management. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A group of 15 experts in SpA translated, analyzed and modified the recommendations of the Mexican College of Rheumatology (CMR) and the International Society for the Assessment of Spondyloarthritis (ASAS)/European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) 2016 group through a systematic review of the literature by two external reviewers during the period from 2015 to 2018 using the grade of recommendation, Oxford levels of evidence, percentage of concordance (Delphi). RESULTS: Compared to previous recommendations, there were no significant changes from the year 2015. However, we modified the five fundamental principles and reduced the number of recommendations to ten by incorporating the first item in the text and combining five recommendations into two and adding a further recommendation. We confirmed the tendency to use glucocorticoids for patients with inflammatory activity and scarce access to biologicals. We identified the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of patients with SpA and their influence on the application of the recommendations. CONCLUSIONS: The ten recommendations of the CMR and the analysis of the characteristics of the Mexican patients with SpA focussed on step therapy, including pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies, in a spectrum from easily accessible to high-tech substances available to a small percentage of the population.

Sacroiliitis in children and adolescents with familial Mediterranean fever

Abstract Background: Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an autoinflammatory disease characterized by recurrent episodes of fever and serositis. Sacroiliitis can be observed in some FMF patients. This study aimed to compare the demographic, clinical, and laboratory findings, and treatment in children with FMF and sacroiliitis, and children with juvenile spondyloarthropathy (JSpA). Methods: In total, 1687 pediatric FMF patients that were followed-up between May 2010 and June 2020 were evaluated retrospectively. Among them, those with sacroiliitis ( n = 63) were included in the study and compared to patients with JSpA ( n = 102). Results: The study included 63 FMF patients with sacroiliitis (38 males [60.3%] and 25 females [39.7%]) with a mean age of 15.2 ± 4.1 years. Mean age at symptom onset was 7.2 ± 5.05 years and mean age at diagnosis was 9.74 ± 4.67 years. The most common mutation in the FMF patients was M694V/M694V ( n = 22). Patients were diagnosed with sacroiliitis with a mean of 12 months (range: 6-36 months) after the diagnosis of FMF. Among the FMF patients, 28 (44.4%) had enthesitis, 23 (36.5%) had heel pain, and 11 (17.4%) had low back pain. The study also included 102 JSpA patients (90 males [88.2%] and 12 females [11.8%]). Mean age of patients with JSpA was 16.1 ± 2.8 years. As compared to 102 JSpA patients, patients with FMF and sacroiliitis had higher acute phase reactants, whereas HLA- B27 positivity rate was lower. In addition, axial involvement rate was higher in the JSpA patients. Conclusion: Sacroiliitis is a common co-morbidity in FMF patients. The phenotypic features of these patients are different from patients with JSpA.

Sacroilitis paraneoplásica: presentación inusual de leucemia linfoblástica aguda.

La sacroilitis es una manifestación poco común de neoplasias hematológicas. Reportamos el caso de una mujer de 40 años que presentó un cuadro de 1 mes de evolución con fiebre y sacroilitis simulando espondiloartritis, acompañado de anemia, hepatomegalia y elevación de marcadores inflamatorios. El abordaje descartó infecciones y causas inflamatorias de dolor sacroilíaco. Los hallazgos en la médula ósea llevaron al diagnóstico de leucemia linfoblástica aguda (LLA) de células B. Hasta donde sabemos, el presente es uno de los pocos casos publicados de LLA que se manifiesta con sacroilitis. La sacroilitis como manifestación inicial de LLA puede resultar en un diagnóstico erróneo, por lo que el diagnóstico diferencial es esencial cuando se encuentran presentes características atípicas.Sacroiliitis is an uncommon manifestation of hematological malignancies. We herein report the case of a 40-year-old female that presented with a one-month-old history of fever and sacroiliitis mimicking spondylarthritis, accompanied by anemia, hepatomegaly, and elevated inflammatory markers. Work-up ruled out infectious and inflammatory causes of sacroiliac pain. Bone marrow findings led to the diagnosis B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). To the best of our knowledge, the current study represents one of the few published cases of ALL presenting with sacroiliitis. Sacroiliitis as an onset manifestation of ALL may result in misdiagnosis, therefore, a differential diagnosis is essential when atypical features are present.

Comparison between STIR and T2-weighted SPAIR sequences in the evaluation of inflammatory sacroiliitis: diagnostic performance and signal-to-noise ratio.

OBJECTIVE: To compare two different fat-saturated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques-STIR and T2 SPAIR-in terms of image quality, as well as in terms of their diagnostic performance in detecting sacroiliac joints (SIJ) active inflammation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We included 69 consecutive patients with suspected spondyloarthritis undergoing MRI between 2012 and 2014. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) was calculated with the method recommended by the American College of Radiology. Two readers evaluated SIJ MRI following ASAS criteria to assess diagnostic performance regarding the detection of active SIJ inflammation. T1 SPIR Gd+ sequence was used as the reference standard. RESULTS: The mean SNR was 72.8 for the T1 SPIR Gd+ sequence, compared with 14.1 and 37.6 for the STIR and T2 SPAIR sequences, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of STIR and SPAIR T2 sequences did not show any statistically significant differences, for the diagnosis of sacroiliitis with active inflammation. CONCLUSION: Our results corroborate those in the recent literature suggesting that STIR sequences are not superior to T2 SPAIR sequences for SIJ evaluation in patients with suspected spondyloarthritis. On 1.5-T MRI, T2-weighted SPAIR sequences provide better SNRs than do STIR sequences, which reinforces that T2 SPAIR sequences may be an advantageous option for the evaluation of sacroiliitis.

OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar a qualidade da imagem das técnicas de saturação de gordura T2 SPAIR e STIR e, adicionalmente, comparar o desempenho diagnóstico das duas sequências para detecção de inflamação ativa nas imagens de ressonância magnética (RM) das sacroilíacas. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Foram incluídos 69 pacientes consecutivos que realizaram RM das articulações sacroilíacas no período de 2012 a 2014. O cálculo da relação sinal/ruído (RSR) foi realizado pelo método do Colégio Americano de Radiologia. O desempenho diagnóstico foi realizado utilizando os resultados da leitura das imagens da sequência T1 SPIR Gd+ como referência. RESULTADOS: A avaliação da RSR mostrou média de 72,8 para a sequência T1 SPIR Gd+. A sensibilidade e a especificidade das sequências STIR e SPAIR 2 para o diagnóstico de sacroiliite com inflamação ativa não apresentaram diferenças estatisticamente significantes. CONCLUSÃO: Nossos resultados reforçam a literatura recente sugerindo que não há superioridade da sequência STIR em relação à sequência SPAIR T2 para a avaliação das sacroilíacas em pacientes com espondiloartrite. A sequência SPAIR T2 apresenta melhor RSR em relação à sequência STIR em imagens de RM de 1,5 T, o que reforça que a sequência SPAIR T2 possa ser utilizada como opção vantajosa na avaliação da sacroiliite inflamatória.

Tuberculosis diseminada en una adolescente con diabetes mellitus tipo 1: un caso inusual que imita una enfermedad autoinmune / Disseminated Tuberculosis in a girl with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: An unusual case mimicking an autoimmune disease usage: case report

RESUMEN La tuberculosis es una de las principales causas de mortalidad en el mundo, a pesar de los múltiples controles y estrategias del tratamiento. La forma diseminada corresponde al 5 % de las presentaciones. Reportamos el primer caso en la literatura de una paciente adolescente con diabetes mellitus tipo 1 y tuberculosis diseminada quien presentó síntomas constitucionales asociados con un dolor lumbar, inicialmente interpretado como sacroileítis no infecciosa y una probable enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal.

SUMMARY Tuberculosis is one of the leading causes of mortality in the world despite multiple control and treatment strategies. Disseminated tuberculosis corresponds to 5% of cases. We report the first case in literature of an adolescent patient with type 1 diabetes mellitus and disseminated tuberculosis, who had constitutional symptoms associated with low back pain and was initially, interpreted initially as noninfectious sacroiliitis and a probable inflammatory bowel disease.

Comparison between STIR and T2-weighted SPAIR sequences in the evaluation of inflammatory sacroiliitis: diagnostic performance and signal-to-noise ratio / Comparação do desempenho diagnóstico e da relação sinal-ruído das sequências SPAIR T2 e STIR na avaliação de sacroiliite inflamatória

Abstract Objective: To compare two different fat-saturated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques-STIR and T2 SPAIR-in terms of image quality, as well as in terms of their diagnostic performance in detecting sacroiliac joints (SIJ) active inflammation. Materials and Methods: We included 69 consecutive patients with suspected spondyloarthritis undergoing MRI between 2012 and 2014. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) was calculated with the method recommended by the American College of Radiology. Two readers evaluated SIJ MRI following ASAS criteria to assess diagnostic performance regarding the detection of active SIJ inflammation. T1 SPIR Gd+ sequence was used as the reference standard. Results: The mean SNR was 72.8 for the T1 SPIR Gd+ sequence, compared with 14.1 and 37.6 for the STIR and T2 SPAIR sequences, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of STIR and SPAIR T2 sequences did not show any statistically significant differences, for the diagnosis of sacroiliitis with active inflammation. Conclusion: Our results corroborate those in the recent literature suggesting that STIR sequences are not superior to T2 SPAIR sequences for SIJ evaluation in patients with suspected spondyloarthritis. On 1.5-T MRI, T2-weighted SPAIR sequences provide better SNRs than do STIR sequences, which reinforces that T2 SPAIR sequences may be an advantageous option for the evaluation of sacroiliitis.

Resumo Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar a qualidade da imagem das técnicas de saturação de gordura T2 SPAIR e STIR e, adicionalmente, comparar o desempenho diagnóstico das duas sequências para detecção de inflamação ativa nas imagens de ressonância magnética (RM) das sacroilíacas. Materiais e Métodos: Foram incluídos 69 pacientes consecutivos que realizaram RM das articulações sacroilíacas no período de 2012 a 2014. O cálculo da relação sinal/ruído (RSR) foi realizado pelo método do Colégio Americano de Radiologia. O desempenho diagnóstico foi realizado utilizando os resultados da leitura das imagens da sequência T1 SPIR Gd+ como referência. Resultados: A avaliação da RSR mostrou média de 72,8 para a sequência T1 SPIR Gd+. A sensibilidade e a especificidade das sequências STIR e SPAIR 2 para o diagnóstico de sacroiliite com inflamação ativa não apresentaram diferenças estatisticamente significantes. Conclusão: Nossos resultados reforçam a literatura recente sugerindo que não há superioridade da sequência STIR em relação à sequência SPAIR T2 para a avaliação das sacroilíacas em pacientes com espondiloartrite. A sequência SPAIR T2 apresenta melhor RSR em relação à sequência STIR em imagens de RM de 1,5 T, o que reforça que a sequência SPAIR T2 possa ser utilizada como opção vantajosa na avaliação da sacroiliite inflamatória.

A study of MRI-based radiomics biomarkers for sacroiliitis and spondyloarthritis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the performance of texture-based biomarkers by radiomic analysis using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of patients with sacroiliitis secondary to spondyloarthritis (SpA). RELEVANCE: The determination of sacroiliac joints inflammatory activity supports the drug management in these diseases. METHODS: Sacroiliac joints (SIJ) MRI examinations of 47 patients were evaluated. Thirty-seven patients had SpA diagnoses (27 axial SpA and ten peripheral SpA) which was established previously after clinical and laboratory follow-up. To perform the analysis, the SIJ MRI was first segmented and warped. Second, radiomics biomarkers were extracted from the warped MRI images for associative analysis with sacroiliitis and the SpA subtypes. Finally, statistical and machine learning methods were applied to assess the associations of the radiomics texture-based biomarkers with clinical outcomes. RESULTS: All diagnostic performances obtained with individual or combined biomarkers reached areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves ≥ 0.80 regarding SpA related sacroiliitis and and SpA subtypes classification. Radiomics texture-based analysis showed significant differences between the positive and negative SpA groups and differentiated the axial and peripheral subtypes (P < 0.001). In addition, the radiomics analysis was also able to correctly identify the disease even in the absence of active inflammation. CONCLUSION: We concluded that the application of the radiomic approach constitutes a potential noninvasive tool to aid the diagnosis of sacroiliitis and for SpA subclassifications based on MRI of sacroiliac joints.

¿Permiten los entrenamientos de resonancia magnética en espondiloartritis mejorar la performance de los reumatólogos para el reconocimiento de secuencias y lesiones? / Does MRI training in spondyloarthritis improve the performance of rheumatologists on the recognition of sequences and lesions?

Introducción: La resonancia magnética (RM) es una herramienta diagnóstica fundamental en la espondiloartritis (EspA) axial. Objetivo: Estimar el porcentaje de aciertos en el reconocimiento de lesiones en RM de EspA y conocimientos teóricos, antes y después de realizar una intervención educativa. Estimar si la buena performance en los test se asocia a características individuales de los médicos. Materiales y métodos: Estudio analítico, con intervención activa, se midieron los resultados antes y después de un test con 10 preguntas antes y después del desarrollo de un taller de imágenes de RM en EspA en ciudades distintas de Argentina. Se consideró buena performance a quienes lograron más de 12 puntos entre las dos evaluaciones. Resultados: Se evaluaron en total 106 médicos. Los resultados de los test (total 10 preguntas) antes y después del taller fueron 53% de respuestas correctas y 68% respectivamente (p: 0.000). El 65% de los médicos alcanzaron una buena performance (más de 12 respuestas correctas). Conclusión: El porcentaje de aciertos fue mayor después del taller en forma general, la buena performance no se asoció a ninguna característica especifica de los médicos evaluados.

Introduction: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a fundamental diagnostic tool in axial spondyloarthritis, it has allowed us, unlike radiography, to diagnose this pathology much earlier. Objective: To estimate the percentage of correct answers in the recognition of SpA MRI lesions and theoretical knowledge, before and after performing an educational intervention. Estimate if the good performance in the tests is associated with individual characteristics of the doctors. Methods: A test was carried out with 10 questions (7 for image recognition and 3 for theoretical knowledge) before and after the development of an MRI image workshop in EspA in diferents cities in Argentina. The correct response number was considered before and after the workshop, and those who achieved more than 12 points between the two evaluations were considered good performance. The following physician characteristics were collected. Results: A total of 106 physicians were evaluated. The results of the tests (total 10 questions) before and after the workshop were 53% and 68% correct, respectively (p:0.000). 65% of the physicians achieved a good performance (more than 12 correct).

¿Permiten los entrenamientos de resonancia magnética en espondiloartritis mejorar la performance de los reumatólogos para el reconocimiento de secuencias y lesiones? / Do magnetic resonance training in spondyloarthritis improve the performance of rheumatologists for the recognition of sequences and lesions?

Introducción: La resonancia magnética (RM) es una herramienta diagnóstica fundamental en la espondiloartritis (EspA) axial. Objetivo: Estimar el porcentaje de aciertos en el reconocimiento de lesiones en RM de EspA y conocimientos teóricos, antes y después de realizar una intervención educativa. Estimar si la buena performance en los test se asocia a características individuales de los médicos. Materiales y métodos: Estudio analítico, con intervención activa, se midieron los resultados antes y después de un test con 10 preguntas antes y después del desarrollo de un taller de imágenes de RM en EspA en ciudades distintas de Argentina. Se consideró buena performance a quienes lograron más e 12 puntos entre las dos evaluaciones. Resultados: Se evaluaron en total 106 médicos. Los resultados de los test (total 10 preguntas) antes y después del taller fueron 53% de respuesta correctas y 68% respectivamente (p: 0.000). El 65% de los médicos alcanzaron una buena performance (más de 12 respuesta correctas). Conclusión: El porcentaje de aciertos fue mayor después del taller en forma general, la buena performance no se asoció a ninguna característica especifica de los médicos evaluados.

Introduction: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a fundamental diagnostic tool in axial spondyloarthritis, it has allowed us, unlike radiography, to diagnose this pathology much earlier. Objective: To estimate the percentage of correct answers in the recognition of SpA MRI lesions and theoretical knowledge, before and after performing an educational intervention. Estimate if the good performance in the tests is associated with individual characteristics of the doctors. Methods: A test was carried out with 10 questions (7 for image recognition and 3 for theoretical knowledge) before and after the development of an MRI image workshop in EspA in diferents cities in Argentina. The correct response number was considered before and after the workshop, and those who achieved more than 12 points between the two evaluations were considered good performance. The following physician characteristics were collected. Results: A total of 106 physicians were evaluated. The results of the tests (total 10 questions) before and after the workshop were 53% and 68% correct, respectively (p:0.000). 65% of the physicians achieved a good performance (more than 12 correct)

Musculoskeletal Manifestations as Presenting Symptoms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Children and Adolescents.

A comparison of 23 children with inflammatory bowel disease presenting with musculoskeletal symptoms and 46 children with arthritis of other causes yielded significantly higher rates in the inflammatory bowel disease group of sacroiliitis, arthralgia, additive and recurrent arthritis, microcytic anemia, elevated inflammatory markers, and hypoalbuminemia. Clinical awareness of these findings could expedite diagnosis and treatment.

Value of Color Doppler Ultrasound Assessment of Sacroiliac Joints in Patients with Inflammatory Low Back Pain.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the diagnostic value of color Doppler ultrasound (CDUS) for the detection of sacroiliitis, in patients with inflammatory back pain (IBP). METHODS: Consecutive patients with IBP and suspected axial spondyloarthritis (SpA), but without a definitive diagnosis, were included. Consecutive patients with defined SpA and axial involvement were included as a control group. All patients underwent clinical evaluation, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and CDUS of sacroiliac joints (SIJ) within the same week. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) for the diagnosis of sacroiliitis by CDUS were calculated, using MRI as the gold standard. RESULTS: There were 198 SIJ evaluated in 99 patients (36 with previous SpA). There were 61 men (61.6%), with a mean age of 39.8 years (SD 11.3) and median disease duration of 24 months (IQR 12-84). At the patient level, CDUS had a sensitivity of 63% (95% CI 48.7-75.7%) and a specificity of 89% (95% CI 76-96%). The PPV was 87.2% (95% CI 72.6-95.7%) and the NPV was 66.7% (95% CI 53.3-78.3%). At joint level, CDUS had a sensitivity of 60% (95% CI 49-70%) and a specificity of 93% (95% CI 88-98%). The PPV was 83% (95% CI 78-95%) and the NPV was 43% (95% CI 33-56%). The sensitivity of CDUS for the diagnosis of axial SpA was 54% (95% CI 36.6-71.2%), specificity was 82% (95% CI 63.1-93.9%), PPV was 79% (95% CI 57.8-92.9%), and NPV was 59% (95% CI 42.1-74.4%). CONCLUSION: CDUS showed adequate diagnostic properties for detection of sacroiliitis and is a useful tool in patients with IBP.

Sinal de Faget como manifestação clínica de brucelose. Relato de caso / Faget's sign as a clinical manifestation of brucellosis: Case report

Relata-se o caso de uma paciente do sexo feminino, 32 anos, comerciante, com manifestações sistêmicas de brucelose, como febre diária contínua, sinal de Faget, lombalgia, cervicalgia, náuseas e cefaleia. Quando questionada, a paciente referiu consumo de leite e queijo não pasteurizados de origem bovina. Nos exames laboratoriais, foram evidenciados leucocitose, linfopenia, proteína C-reativa dentro dos parâmetros da normalidade e ausência de transaminasemia, contrapondo achados clássicos da doença. Os exames de imagem mostraram sinais característicos de sacroileíte. O tratamento foi realizado com doxiciclina 100mg via oral a cada 12 horas e estreptomicina 1g via intramuscular diária. O resultado da titulação para brucelose foi positivo. A paciente teve boa resposta ao tratamento, mantendo-se afebril e em bom estado geral até a alta hospitalar, que ocorreu após 14 dias do início da medicação, tendo sido mantido o tratamento ambulatorialmente. (AU)

A case of a 32-year-old female retailer with systemic manifestations of brucellosis, such as prolonged daily fever, Faget's sign, low back and neck pain, nausea and headache. When questioned, the patient reported consumption of unpasteurized milk and cheese of bovine origin. Laboratory tests revealed leukocytosis, lymphopenia, normal levels of C-reactive protein, and absence of transaminasemia, contrasting classic findings of the disease Imaging evaluation showed characteristic signs of sacroiliitis. The treatment was performed with doxycycline 100mg orally every 12 hours, and streptomycin 1g intramuscularly once daily. The serology for brucellosis was positive. The patient showed good response to the treatment, remaining afebrile and in good general condition until hospital discharge, which took place 14 days after starting the medication; she remained on treatment in an outpatient setting. (AU)

Tuberculous sacroiliitis in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus: a case report and literature review.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients are at higher risk of developing opportunistic infections such as tuberculosis (TB), especially extrapulmonary forms like osteoarticular TB, compared to the general population. However, tuberculous sacroiliitis has been scarcely reported in these patients. We present a 34-year-old woman with SLE who developed articular tuberculosis simultaneously affecting the right sacroiliac joint and the left knee. The patient was successfully treated with antituberculosis therapy for nine months. In this case, in addition to the immunological abnormalities of lupus, the long-term glucocorticoid therapy at high dosages was the main risk factor for the development of osteoarticular tuberculosis.