Compromiso oftálmico en enfermedad relacionada con IgG4 / Ophthalmic involvement in IgG4-related disease

Resumen Introducción: la enfermedad oftálmica relacionada con IgG4 (EOR-IgG4) presenta una frecuencia del 11-59%. Pocos estudios describen las disparidades con los pacientes con ER-IgG4 extraoftálmica (NO EOR-IgG4). Objetivos: describir las características clínicas, imagenológicas, anatomopatológicas, resultados de laboratorio y tratamiento de la EOR-IgG4, y compararlas con las de los pacientes NO EOR-IgG4. Materiales y métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo sobre una cohorte de 54 pacientes con ER-IgG4. Se reclutaron 16 pacientes con EOR-IgG4 y 38 con NO EOR-IgG4. Se compararon ambos grupos. Resultados: la EOR-IgG4 predominó en mujeres. El 75% presentó afectación oftálmica bilateral. El antecedente de asma se asoció al grupo NO EOR-IgG4 (p=0,018). Los pacientes con EOR-IgG4 presentaron niveles séricos menores de IgE e IgG total, y la glándula lagrimal fue la estructura más afectada. Predominó el infiltrado linfoplasmocitario y eosinofílico, siendo la fibrosis estoriforme más frecuente que la no estoriforme en el grupo EOR-IgG4. Conclusiones: si bien los resultados fueron similares a lo reportado previamente, en discordancia con otras series, encontramos asociación negativa entre el asma y los niveles de IgG total sérica en los pacientes EOR-IgG4.

Abstract Introduction: IgG4-related ophthalmic disease (IgG4-ROD) presents a frequency of 11-58.8%. Few studies describe the disparities with patients with extraophthalmic IgG4-related disease (NOT IgG4-ROD). Objectives: describe the clinical, imaging, pathological characteristics, laboratory results, and treatment of IgG4-ROD characteristics; and compare them with those of the NOT IgG4-ROD patients. Materials and methods: a descriptive study was carried out on a cohort of 54 patients with ER-IgG4. 16 patients with IgG4-ROD and 38 with NOT IgG4-ROD were recruited. The data was analyzed with the SPSS Statistics 19 software. Results: IgG4-ROD predominated in women. 75% presented bilateral ophthalmic involvement. A history of asthma was associated with the NOT IgG4-ROD group (p=0,018). Patients with IgG4-ROD presented lower serum levels of IgE and total IgG, and the lacrimal gland was the most affected structure. Lymphoplasmacytic and eosinophilic infiltrates predominated, with storiform fibrosis being more frequent than non-storiform in the IgG4-ROD group. Conclusions: although the results were similar to those previously reported, in disagreement with other series, we found a negative association between asthma and serum total IgG levels with EOR-IgG4 patients.

Compromiso renal en enfermedad relacionada con IgG4 / Kidney involvement in IgG4-related disease

Introducción: la enfermedad renal relacionada con IgG4 (ERR-IgG4) presenta una prevalencia del 8 al 24%, es más frecuente en el sexo masculino (73-87%), con una edad media de 65 años. Objetivos: determinar los hallazgos del compromiso renal y su frecuencia en pacientes con enfermedad relacionada con IgG4 (ER-IgG4); describir y comparar las características demográficas, clínicas, datos de laboratorio y tratamiento en pacientes con ER-IgG4 con afectación renal versus sin afectación renal. Materiales y métodos: estudio observacional retrospectivo de pacientes con compromiso renal (ERR-IgG4) en una cohorte de pacientes con ER-IgG4. Los datos se recolectaron mediante revisión de historias clínicas. Se describen parámetros clínicos basales, hallazgos histológicos y radiológicos, y tratamientos. Resultados: de 44 pacientes con ER-IgG4, 6 (13,6%) tenían ERR-IgG4 con una edad de 50,8±17,1 años y 4 eran mujeres. Todos presentaron compromiso en otros órganos. Los hallazgos radiológicos más comunes fueron las lesiones de baja densidad en la tomografía. A 3 pacientes se les realizó biopsia renal, siendo el principal diagnóstico histopatológico la nefritis tubulointersticial por IgG4. Todos los pacientes recibieron tratamiento con glucocorticoides e inmunosupresores como manejo inicial. Los pacientes con enfermedad renal, a diferencia de aquellos sin compromiso renal, mostraron mayor número de órganos afectados y niveles séricos de IgG2, IgG3, y nivel más bajo de C3. Conclusiones: en general, las características de los pacientes con ER-IgG4 y compromiso renal fueron similares a los trabajos publicados.

Abstract Introduction: IgG4-related Kidney desease (IgG4-RKD) has a prevalence of 8 to 24%, more frequent in males (73-87%), with a mean age of 65 years. Objectives: to determinate the kidney involvement finding and their frequency in patients with IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD). To describe and compare demographic, clinical characteristics, laboratory data and treatment among patients with IgG4-RD who have kidney involvement versus patients without kidney involvement. Materials and methods: we conducted a retrospective observational study of patients with IgG4-related kidney (IgG4-RKD) in a IgG4-RD cohort. Data were collected through review of medical records. We describe clinical parameters at baseline, histological and radiological findings and treatment. Results: of 44 patients with IgG4-RD, 6 (13.6%) had IgG4-RKD. Patients were aged 50,8±17,1 years, and 4 were female. All of them had involvement the other organs systems. The most common radiological finding was low-density lesions on enhanced CT. Three patients had a renal biopsy, the main histopathological diagnosis being IgG4 tubulointerstitial nephritis. All patients received glucocorticoids and immunosupresor as initial management. Patients with kidney disease, as opposed to patients without kidney involvement had a higher number of involved organs, and IgG2, IgG3 serum levels and lower C3 level. Conclusions: in general, the characteristics of patients with ER-IgG4 and kidney involvement were similar to published works.

Cervical lymph nodes in rheumatology: A diagnostic dilemma

The case is presented on a 52-year-old male patient, who was seen in the Rheumatology department. He had painless lymph nodes in the cervical, axillary, supraclavicular, and neck region. He also had a fever, and parotid and submaxillary gland enlargement. Complementary studies were performed, showing normocytic-normochromic anemia, thrombocytopenia and eosinophilia, impaired renal function with hypoalbuminaemia and hematuria, ANA 1/5120, Sm+, ACL+. Biopsies were also performed on the compromised tissues, reaching the diagnosis of Rosai-Dorfman Disease and IgG4-related Disease. Differential diagnoses of cervical, axillary and inguinal lymph nodes, with fever, renal and hematological compromise are discussed.

Se describe el caso de un paciente varón de 52 años que consulta al servicio de reumatología por presentar adenopatías indoloras en las regiones cervical, axilar, supraclaviculares y en la nuca, así como fiebre, aumento de tamaño de parótidas y submaxilares. Se realizan estudios complementarios que arrojan como resultado anemia normocítica-normocrómica, trombocitopenia y eosinofilia, alteración de la función renal con hipoalbuminemia y hematuria, FAN 1/5.120, Sm+, ACL+ y biopsia de los tejidos comprometidos, por lo que se arriba al diagnóstico de enfermedad de Rosai-Dorfman y enfermedad relacionada con IgG4. Se discuten diagnósticos diferenciales de adenopatías cervicales, axilares e inguinales, fiebre, compromiso renal y hematológico.

Hallazgos histológicos de glándulas salivales mayores y menores en pacientes con enfermedad relacionada a IgG4 / Histological findings of major and minor salivary glands in patients with IgG4 related disease

Introducción: la enfermedad relacionada con IgG4 (ER-IgG4) es una afección inmunomediada, asociada con lesiones fibroinflamatorias que pueden ocurrir en casi cualquier órgano. Ante su sospecha clínica es fundamental realizar el examen histopatológico para excluir malignidad y otras enfermedades. El objetivo principal de este estudio fue describir los hallazgos histológicos de la biopsia de glándulas salivales labiales (GSL) en pacientes con diagnóstico de ER-IgG4 y, posteriormente, comparar estos hallazgos con la histología e inmunohistoquímica de la glándula salival mayor (GSM). Materiales y métodos: estudio retrospectivo, observacional y descriptivo sobre una cohorte de 40 pacientes con diagnóstico de ER-IgG4. Se incluyeron 26 pacientes con diagnóstico de ER-IgG4 que presentaron biopsias de GSL. Resultados: el 73% de la muestra tuvo un infiltrado linfoplasmocitario y el 11%, fibrosis con patrón no estoriforme. En ningún caso se halló arteritis obliterativa ni ninguna forma de flebitis. Al realizar la comparación con los hallazgos de las biopsias de GSM, no hubo significancia estadística. El 65% de los pacientes manifestó compromiso extraglandular y fueron los sistemas pancreato hepato biliar y las adenopatías los más afectados. Conclusiones: la biopsia incisional de glándula submandibular sería más útil y apropiada que la biopsia de GSL para un diagnóstico definitivo de ER-IgG4.

Introduction: IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is an immune-mediated condition associated with fibroinflammatory lesions that can occur in almost any anatomical site. Histopathological examination is essential when suspected to diagnose it to exclude malignancy and other diseases. The objective of this study was to describe the histological findings of the minor salivary gland biopsy (GSL) in patients diagnosed with IgG4-RD, and subsequently to correlate these findings with the histology and immunohistochemistry of the major salivary gland (GSM). Materials and methods: retrospective, observational and descriptive study on a cohort of 40 patients diagnosed with RD-IgG4. Twenty-six patients diagnosed with IgG4-RD who presented SLG biopsies were included. Results: the 73% of the samples presented a lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate and 11% of them fibrosis with a non-storiform pattern. In no case was obliterative arteritis or any form of phlebitis found. When comparing the findings of the GSM biopsies, there was no statistical significance. Sixty-five percent of the patients presented extraglandular involvement; the pancreato-hepato-biliary system and the adenopathies were the most affected. Conclusions: incisional biopsy of the submandibular gland would be more useful and appropriate than LSG for a definitive diagnosis of IgG4-RD.

Clinical and Serological Features in Latin American IgG4-Related Disease Patients Differ According to Sex, Ethnicity, and Clinical Phenotype.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Data on IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) come almost exclusively from cohorts from Asia, Europe, and North America. We conducted this study to describe the clinical presentation, phenotype distribution, and association with sex, ethnicity, and serological markers in a large cohort of Latin American patients with IgG4-RD. METHODS: We performed a multicenter medical records review study including 184 Latin American IgG4-RD patients. We assigned patients to clinical phenotypes: group 1 (pancreato-hepato-biliary), group 2 (retroperitoneal/aortic), group 3 (head and neck-limited), group 4 (Mikulicz/systemic), and group 5 (undefined). We focused the analysis on how sex, ethnicity, and clinical phenotype may influence the clinical and serological presentation. RESULTS: The mean age was 50.8 ± 15 years. Men and women were equally affected (52.2% vs 48.8%). Fifty-four patients (29.3%) were assigned to group 1, 21 (11.4%) to group 2, 57 (30.9%) to group 3, 32 (17.4%) to group 4, and 20 (10.8%) to group 5. Male sex was associated with biliary tract (odds ratio [OR], 3.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.36-8.26), kidney (OR, 3.4; 95% CI, 1.28-9.25), and retroperitoneal involvement (OR, 5.3; 95% CI, 1.45-20). Amerindian patients presented more frequently with atopy history and gallbladder involvement. Group 3 had a female predominance. CONCLUSIONS: Latin American patients with IgG4-RD were younger, and men and women were equally affected compared with White and Asian cohorts. They belonged more commonly to group 1 and group 3. Retroperitoneal and aortic involvement was infrequent. Clinical and serological features differed according to sex, ethnicity, and clinical phenotype.

Diffuse alveolar haemorrhage in systemic lupus erythematosus patients.

INTRODUCTION: Pulmonary haemorrhage (PH) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a rare but potentially fatal complication due to its high mortality. Early treatment benefits the outcome. Reports on predictive factors of PH in SLE patients are scarce. OBJECTIVE: To describe a case series of PH in SLE patients that were attended in the Rheumatology Section of the J. M. Cullen Hospital and to compare this data with published results. METHODS: Patients with SLE (1982-1997 ACR criteria) and PH diagnosed by clinical criteria (cough, dyspnoea, haemoptysis), haemoglobin below 12 g/dL or drop greater than 2 points, new radiological infiltrate and bronchioalveolar lavage, monitored between June 1987 and December 2019 were studied. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, treatment and prognosis data related to PH were analysed. RESULTS: From a database of 306 SLE patients, 25 (8.2%) developed 29 episodes of PH. PH was the first manifestation of SLE in 8 patients. Renal involvement was the most frequent manifestation prior to the development of PH. SLE activity (measured by SLEDAI) was high during the episodes (mean: 16.8). Renal failure (p = .027) and mechanical respiratory support (p = .006) were related to mortality (40.7%) with statistical significance. Patients with SLEDAI higher to 10 at SLE onset showed more likelihood of developing PH. The OR was 2.68 (p = .046). CONCLUSIONS: Although treatment in SLE has progressed in recent years, PH continues to be a rare and severe complication of this disease. When a PH is suspected, studies to confirm it must be done rapidly, since early diagnosis and aggressive treatment have been shown to improve survival. We observed that patients with renal involvement and mechanical respiratory support had higher mortality than SLE patients without them.

Hemorragia alveolar difusa en pacientes con lupus eritematoso sistémico / Diffuse Alveolar Haemorrhage in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients

Introducción: La hemorragia alveolar difusa (HAD) es una complicación infrecuente pero grave en pacientes con Lupus eritematoso sistémico (LES). Su tratamiento debe ser precoz, lo cual mejora la supervivencia. Las comunicaciones de factores predictores de HAD en pacientes con LES son escasas. Objetivo: Describir una serie de casos de HAD en pacientes con LES, del Servicio de Reumatología del Hospital J.M. Cullen, de Santa Fe, y compararlos con un grupo control de pacientes con LES del mismo Servicio y con los datos de la literatura. Material y métodos: Se incluyeron pacientes con LES (Criterios ACR 1982-1997) y HAD definida por parámetros clínicos (tos, disnea, hemoptisis), analíticos (caída de la hemoglobina por debajo de 12 g/dL o mayor a dos puntos respecto del basal en pacientes ya conocidos), imagenológicos (infiltrado radiológico y/o tomográfico bilateral o difuso) y lavado bronquioalveolar (BAL) (retorno sanguinolento en el lavado, más de 20% de siderófagos, sin evidencia de lesiones sangrantes), quienes concurrieron al servicio entre junio de 1987 y diciembre de 2019. Se analizaron datos demográficos, clínicos, de laboratorio, tratamientos y pronóstico de los pacientes. Resultados: Se trabajó con una base de datos de 306 pacientes con diagnóstico de LES, evaluándose 25 de ellos (8,2%) que presentaron 29 episodios de HAD (ocho de ellos como forma de inicio de la enfermedad). El compromiso renal fue el más frecuentemente asociado a la HAD (previo o concomitantemente). La actividad de la enfermedad medida por SLEDAI fue alta durante el episodio, y su media fue de 16,8 puntos. En todos los casos se constató sangrado pulmonar por BAL o tubo endotraqueal. Se halló significación estadística al relacionar la mortalidad (40,7%) con requerimiento de asistencia respiratoria mecánica (ARM) (p = 0,006) y falla renal (p = 0,027). Los pacientes con SLEDAI mayor a 10 al inicio de la enfermedad presentaron más posibilidades de desarrollar HAD (OR = 2,68, p = 0,046).(AU)

Introduction: Pulmonary haemorrhage (PH) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a rare but potentially fatal complication due to its high mortality. Early treatment benefits the outcome. Reports on predictive factors of PH in SLE patients are scarce. Objective: To describe a case series of PH in SLE patients that were attended in the Rheumatology Section of the J. M. Cullen Hospital and to compare this data with published results. Methods: Patients with SLE (1982-1997 ACR criteria) and PH diagnosed by clinical criteria (cough, dyspnoea, haemoptysis), haemoglobin below 12 g/dL or drop greater than 2 points, new radiological infiltrate and bronchioalveolar lavage, monitored between June 1987 and December 2019 were studied. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, treatment and prognosis data related to PH were analysed. Results: From a database of 306 SLE patients, 25 (8.2%) developed 29 episodes of PH. PH was the first manifestation of SLE in 8 patients. Renal involvement was the most frequent manifestation prior to the development of PH. SLE activity (measured by SLEDAI) was high during the episodes (mean: 16.8). Renal failure (p = 0.027) and mechanical respiratory support (p = 0.006) were related to mortality (40.7%) with statistical significance. Patients with SLEDAI higher to 10 at SLE onset showed more likelihood of developing PH. The OR was 2.68 (p = 0.046). Conclusions: Although treatment in SLE has progressed in recent years, PH continues to be a rare and severe complication of this disease. When a PH is suspected, studies to confirm it must be done rapidly, since early diagnosis and aggressive treatment have been shown to improve survival. We observed that patients with renal involvement and mechanical respiratory support had higher mortality than SLE patients without them.(AU)

Sobrevida, eficacia y seguridad de Golimumab en pacientes con Artritis Reumatoidea y Espondiloartritis: Datos de una cohorte argentina / Survival, efficacy and safety of Golimumab in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Spondyloarthritis: Data from an Argentine cohort

Objetivos: Golimumab ha sido aprobado para el tratamiento de pacientes con artritis reumatoidea (AR), artritis psoriásica (APs) y espondiloartritis axial. Sin embargo, los datos provenientes de nuestra región son escasos. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la eficacia, seguridad y sobrevida acumulada de golimumab en pacientes de la vida real con AR, APs y espondilitis anquilosante (EA) de diferentes centros de Argentina. Material y métodos: Se llevó a cabo un estudio longitudinal, en el que se incluyeron pacientes consecutivos mayores de 18 años con diagnóstico de AR (criterios ACR/EULAR 2010), APs (criterios CASPAR) y Espax (criterios ASAS 2009), que hayan iniciado tratamiento con golimumab de acuerdo a la indicación médica. Se obtuvieron los datos por revisión de historias clínicas. Se consignaron características sociodemográficas, clínicas, comorbilidades y tratamientos previos. Con respecto al golimumab, se registraron fecha de inicio, vía de administración y tratamientos concomitantes. Se determinó la actividad de la enfermedad mediante DAS28 en el caso de la AR, por DAPSA y MDA para APs y por BASDAI en el caso de Espax. Se consignó la presencia de eventos adversos (EA). En el caso de suspensión del tratamiento, se identificaron la fecha y motivo del mismo. Los pacientes fueron seguidos hasta la suspensión del golimumab, pérdida de seguimiento, muerte, o finalización del estudio (30 de noviembre de 2020). Resultados: Se incluyeron 182 pacientes, 116 con diagnóstico de AR, 30 con APs y 36 con Espax. La mayoría de ellos (70.9%) eran mujeres con una edad mediana (m) de 55 años (RIC 43.8-64) y una duración de la enfermedad m de 7 años (RIC 4-12.7) al inicio del tratamiento. El 34.6% de los mismos habían recibido al menos una droga modificadora de la enfermedad (DME) biológica (-b) o sintética dirigida (-sd) previamente. El seguimiento total fue de 318.1 pacientes/año. El tratamiento con golimumab mostró mejoría clínica en los tres grupos de pacientes. La incidencia de eventos adversos fue de 6.6 por 100 pacientes/año, siendo las infecciones las más frecuentes. Durante el seguimiento, 50 pacientes (27.5%) suspendieron golimumab, la causa más frecuente fue el fracaso del tratamiento (68%), seguida de la falta de cobertura (16%) y el desarrollo de eventos adversos (10%). La persistencia de golimumab fue del 76% y 68% a los 12 y 24 meses, respectivamente. Se registró una sobrevida de 50.2 meses (IC 95% 44.4-55.9). Los pacientes que habían recibido tratamiento previo con DME-b y/o -sd mostraron una menor sobrevida (HR 2.4, IC 95% 1.3-4.4). Conclusiones: El tratamiento con golimumab en pacientes de la vida real en Argentina ha demostrado una buena eficacia y seguridad. La sobrevida del fármaco fue de más de 4 años y casi el 80% seguía usando golimumab después de un año. El tratamiento previo con otros DME-b o -sd se asoció con una menor sobrevida al tratamiento.

Objectives: Golimumab is approved for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and axial spondyloarthritis. However, data from our region are scarce. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and cumulative survival of golimumab in real-life patients with RA, PsA and axial spondyloarthritis (axSpa) from different rheumatology centers in Argentina. Material and methods: We performed a longitudinal study of consecutive adults with RA (ACR/EULAR 2010 criteria), PsA (CASPAR criteria) and axSpa (ASAS 2009 criteria), who have started treatment with golimumab according to medical indication. Data was obtained by review of medical records. Sociodemographic and clinical data, musculoskeletal manifestations, comorbidities and previous treatments were recorded. In reference to golimumab treatment, start date, route of administration and concomitant treatments were identified. Disease activity was assessed using DAS28 for RA patients, DAPSA and MDA for PsA and BASDAI for axSpa. The presence of adverse events was recorded. If golimumab was stopped, date and cause was documented. Patients were followed up until golimumab discontinuation, loss of follow-up, death, or study completion (November 30, 2020). Results: In total 182 patients were included, 116 with a diagnosis of RA, 30 with PsA and 36 with axSpa. Most of them (70.9%) were female with a median (m) age of 55 years (IQR 43.8-64) and m disease duration of 7 years (IQR 4-12.7) at treatment initiation. Al least one prior biological (-b) and/or targeted synthetic (-ts) disease modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) was received by 63 patients (34.6%). Total follow-up was 318.1 patients/year. Golimumab treatment showed clinical improvement in all three groups of patients. The incidence of AE was 6.6 per 100 patients/year, being infections the most frequents ones. During follow-up, 50 patients (27.5%) discontinued golimumab, the most frequent cause was treatment failure (68%), followed by lack of health insurance (16%) and adverse events (10%). Golimumab persistence was 76% and 68% at 12 and 24 months, respectively. Treatment survival was 50.2 months (95% CI 44.4-55.9). Patients who had received prior treatment with b- or ts-DMARDs showed lower survival (HR 2.41, 95% CI 1.3-4.4). Conclusions: Golimumab treatment in real life patients in Argentina has shown good efficacy and safety. Drug survival was over 4 years and almost 80% were still using golimumab after one year. Prior treatment with other b- or ts-DMARDs was associated with lower treatment survival.

Rheumatic manifestations associated with cocaine addiction / Manifestaciones reumatológicas asociadas al consumo de cocaína

ABSTRACT Cocaine use is associated with several rheumatic syndromes. A series of cases is presented of 10 patients (7 male and 3 female), age at onset: 19-38 years-old. They consulted due to a variety of symptoms: fever, arthritis, swollen hands, stroke, fetal losses, arterial hypertension, alveolar hemorrhage, leucocytoclastic vasculitis, genital bleeding, among others. Half of them showed positive ANA and Ro antibodies, lymphopenia and positive P-ANCA. Treatments with steroids in bolus, cyclophosphamide and rituximab were used, with a good response. This series highlights clinical manifestations at onset that can mimic primary rheumatic diseases. Rheumatologists should consider cocaine use in the differential diagnoses of vasculitis and pseudovasculitis syndromes.

RESUMEN El uso de cocaína se asocia con varios síndromes reumáticos. Se trata de 10 pacientes (7 varones y 3 mujeres) con una edad al inicio del cuadro entre 19-38 anos, quienes consultaron por una variedad de síntomas: fiebre, artritis, tumefacción de manos, accidente isquémico transitorio, pérdidas fetales, hipertensión arterial, hemorragia alveolar, vasculitis leucoci-toclástica y hemorragia genital, entre otros. La mitad de estos pacientes presentaron ANA y anticuerpo anti-Ro positivos, linfopenia y p-ANCA positivo. Fueron tratados con corticoides intravenosos en bolo, ciclofosfamida y rituximab, con buena respuesta. Esta serie resalta las manifestaciones clínicas que, al inicio del cuadro, pueden imitar una enfermedad reumática primaria. Los reumatólogos debieran considerar a la cocaína en el diagnóstico diferencial de las vasculitis y los síndromes seudovasculíticos.

Diffuse Alveolar Haemorrhage in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients. / Hemorragia alveolar difusa en pacientes con lupus eritematoso sistémico.

INTRODUCTION: Pulmonary haemorrhage (PH) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a rare but potentially fatal complication due to its high mortality. Early treatment benefits the outcome. Reports on predictive factors of PH in SLE patients are scarce. OBJECTIVE: To describe a case series of PH in SLE patients that were attended in the Rheumatology Section of the J. M. Cullen Hospital and to compare this data with published results. METHODS: Patients with SLE (1982-1997 ACR criteria) and PH diagnosed by clinical criteria (cough, dyspnoea, haemoptysis), haemoglobin below 12 g/dL or drop greater than 2 points, new radiological infiltrate and bronchioalveolar lavage, monitored between June 1987 and December 2019 were studied. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, treatment and prognosis data related to PH were analysed. RESULTS: From a database of 306 SLE patients, 25 (8.2%) developed 29 episodes of PH. PH was the first manifestation of SLE in 8 patients. Renal involvement was the most frequent manifestation prior to the development of PH. SLE activity (measured by SLEDAI) was high during the episodes (mean: 16.8). Renal failure (p = 0.027) and mechanical respiratory support (p = 0.006) were related to mortality (40.7%) with statistical significance. Patients with SLEDAI higher to 10 at SLE onset showed more likelihood of developing PH. The OR was 2.68 (p = 0.046). CONCLUSIONS: Although treatment in SLE has progressed in recent years, PH continues to be a rare and severe complication of this disease. When a PH is suspected, studies to confirm it must be done rapidly, since early diagnosis and aggressive treatment have been shown to improve survival. We observed that patients with renal involvement and mechanical respiratory support had higher mortality than SLE patients without them.

Comparación de pacientes con lupus eritematoso sistémico tratados en centros públicos versus centros privados de salud / Comparison of systemic lupus erythematosus patients treated in the public system of health versus private centers

Estudios recientes sobre lupus eritematoso sistémico (LES) han comunicado desenlaces más favorables gracias al mejor conocimiento de la enfermedad, al manejo más experto del mismo y al uso racional de los tratamientos. En este estudio se identificaron 301 pacientes con lupus eritematoso sistémico (LES), vistos entre 1988 y 2019. Doscientos veintiocho fueron tratados en el sistema público de salud y 73 en el sistema privado. Ambos grupos fueron comparados, observando que los primeros tenían menor edad al momento de la primera consulta y al inicio del LES y menor tiempo de evolución hasta la primera consulta que los pacientes atendidos en el sistema privado de salud de manera estadísticamente significativa. También mostraron mayor frecuencia de leucopenia, con presencia de anticuerpo Sm y compromiso renal en la primera consulta, como así también mayor uso de corticoides EV. Los pacientes hospitalarios presentaron mayor daño acumulado en los primeros 10 años de evolución, pero el desenlace muerte fue similar en ambos grupos. Ambos grupos de pacientes (tanto los del sistema público como los del sector privado) fueron atendidos por especialistas, realizando un cuidadoso seguimiento de estos pacientes.

Recent studies on systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have reported more favorable outcomes thanks to better knowledge of the disease, more expert management of it, and rational use of treatments. In this study we identified 301 SLE patients, seen between 1988 and 2019. Two hundred and twenty eight patients were treated in the public health system and 73 in private practice. In comparing both groups, we discovered that patients in the public health system were younger at first consultation and at SLE onset and that the mean duration of their disease prior to first consultation was shorter in a statistically significant way. Also, they showed more frequence of leucopenia, Sm antibody, renal involvement and received I.V. corticosteroids. Patients treated in the public system of health showed more accrual damage over the 10 first years of the disease than patients seen in the private system of health, but death in both groups was similar. Patients from both public and private groups were attended by medical specialist practices who made close follow-ups.

Enfermedad de Erdheim-Chester: Serie de diecinueve casos y un diagnóstico diferencial de relevancia / Erdheim-Chester Disease: Series of nineteen cases and a relevant differential diagnosis

La enfermedad de Erdheim-Chester (EEC) es una histiocitosis de células no Langerhans de presentación proteiforme y escaso conocimiento. Se presenta una serie de 19 casos de 4 centros, registrados de junio de 2012 a junio de 2019. Se incluyeron aquellos pacientes con clínica, anatomía patológica e inmunohistoquímica característica de la enfermedad. Se excluyeron pacientes con hallazgos indefinidos. Resultados: al igual que en la literatura, el compromiso más frecuente fue el óseo por imagenología, la mitad de estos sintomático. Nuestra serie presenta mayor incidencia de mujeres (casi 70%). Siete pacientes presentaron nódulo mamario como forma de presentación. La mayoría recibieron dosis media de esteroides asociado a otra droga inmunosupresora. La mortalidad fue del 16%. Conclusión: comunicamos una serie de pacientes con la EEC mencionando las características más destacables. Es llamativo el número de pacientes con afectación mamaria, por lo cual proponemos téngase en cuenta en el diagnóstico diferencial de la patología tumoral mamaria.

Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) is a non-Langerhans histiocytosis, protein manifestations at start and little known. We included 19 patients from June 2012 to June of 2019. Inclusion criteria: clinical features, histopathology and immunostaining compatible with ECD. We excluded patients with undefined features. Results: Bones were the most frequent affected, half of them were asymptomatic. Seventy per cent of the patients were women, and 7 of them developed a nodule breast as first manifestation of ECD. The patients were treated with corticosteroids associated or not with immunosuppressants. The mortality rate was 16%. Conclusion: We reported a series of patients with ECD, enhancing the most frequent features. It is striking the number of patients with breast involvement; we propose to include the Erdheim-Chester disease in differential diagnosis of breast tumor.

Cavidades pulmonares en Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico / Lung cavities in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Las lesiones pulmonares cavitadas en pacientes con Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico (LES) han sido descriptas en asociación con neumonitis por citomegalovirus, o secundarias a infecciones fúngicas. Haciendo una revisión en la literatura, se han descripto 13 casos de pacientes con estas lesiones. Presentamos cuatro pacientes con diagnóstico de LES, que durante la evolución de su enfermedad desarrollan cavidades pulmonares.

Cavitary lung lesions in patients with SLE have been described in association with cytomegalovirus pneumonitis, or secondary to fungal infections. Making a review in the literature, 13 cases of patients with these lesions have been described. We present four patients diagnosed with SLE, whom developed lung cavities during the evolution of the disease.

Gammapatías monoclonales de significado clínico en reumatología / Monoclonal gammopathies with clinical significance in rheumatology

Las gammapatías monoclonales son un grupo amplio de enfermedades de células hematológicas con expresión clínica variable, con afectación sistémica o localizada. Muchos de estos trastornos simulan enfermedades reumáticas, y pueden presentarse previa- o posteriormente a la enfermedad de base, por lo cual dificultan su diagnóstico. El propósito de este estudio es comunicar los casos de cinco pacientes con manifestaciones clínicas de enfermedades reumáticas y diagnóstico final de enfermedades oncohematológicas. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal mediante el análisis de historias clínicas de pacientes evaluados en el Servicio de Reumatología del Hospital José María Cullen de Santa Fe entre marzo del 2010 y junio del 2019. Se incluyó a cinco pacientes que fueron estudiados por sospecha de enfermedad reumatológica hasta llegar al diagnóstico final de gammapatía monoclonal. Cuatro pacientes presentaron mieloma múltiple manifestado como síndrome de Schnitzler; xantogranuloma del adulto y amiloidosis; aplastamientos vertebrales múltiples; falla renal aguda, respectivamente. El quinto paciente se presentó simulando una vasculitis sistémica con afectación multiorgánica y diagnóstico final de linfoma intravascular. Los pacientes fueron derivados al Servicio de Oncología y Hematología para su atención. A partir de la serie de casos analizados, se concluye que las manifestaciones reumáticas de las enfermedades oncohematológicas se deben tener presentes en el accionar diario para evitar la demora diagnóstica y los tratamientos innecesarios(AU)

Monoclonal gammapathies are a broad group of diseases from hematopoietic cells with variable clinical features and systemic or limited involvement. These entities could begin as a rheumatic disease, even previously to the diagnosis of MG. To describe five patients with rheumatic manifestations that lately were diagnosed as monoclonal gammapathies. We describe the more relevant features of five patients assisted in our rheumatology center. Four patients were diagnosed with multiple myeloma that begins as: 1) Schnitzler's syndrome, 2) Adult-onset xanthogranuloma and amyloidosis, 3) multiple vertebral fracture, 4) acute kidney failure. The 5th patient has a vasculitis-like syndrome due to an intravascular lymphoma. The rheumatic-like syndromes are infrequent but we should take into account this diagnosis in our clinical practice for rapid diagnostic and correct treatment(AU)

Cavidades pulmonares en Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico / Pulmonary cavities in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Las lesiones pulmonares cavitadas en pacientes con Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico (LES) han sido descriptas en asociación con neumonitis por citomegalovirus, o secundarias a infecciones fúngicas. Haciendo una revisión en la literatura, se han descripto 13 casos de pacientes con estas lesiones. Presentamos cuatro pacientes con diagnóstico de LES, que durante la evolución de su enfermedad desarrollan cavidades pulmonares.

Cavitary lung lesions in patients with SLE have been described in association with cytomegalovirus pneumonitis, or secondary to fungal infections. Making a review in the literature, 13 cases of patients with these lesions have been described. We present four patients diagnosed with SLE, whom developed lung cavities during the evolution of the disease.

Miositis como forma de presentación de panarteritis nodosa / Myositis as the initial presentation of panarteritis nodosa

Varón de 47 años que consulta por pérdida de peso, dolor con tumefacción en pantorrillas, fiebre, hipertensión arterial, orquitis y oligoartritis. Laboratorio: anemia y aumento de enzimas musculares. Resonancia magnética: hiperintensidad en gemelos (miositis). Histología de músculo: infiltrado inflamatorio con atrofia y regeneración perifascicular. Tratamiento: pulsos de metilprednisolona y ciclofosfamida. Mialgias, tumefacción muscular y deambulación dificultosa son hallazgos comunes en poliarteritis nodosa (PAN), no así la miositis demostrada histológicamente y más infrecuente aún como forma de inicio de esta vasculitis

A 47-year-old man presented with weight loss, bilateral calf pain, fever, hypertension, orchitis and oligoarthritis. Lab tests: anemia and elevated muscle enzymes. Resonance magnetic imaging: hyperintensity in gastrocnemius muscles (myositis). Histologic exam of the muscles: inflammatory infiltrate with atrophy and perifascicular regeneration. Treatment: methylprednisone (bolus) and cyclophosphamide. Muscle pain and swelling and difficulty in walking are common in panarteritis nodosa (PAN), whereas histologically demonstrated myositis is not. Even more rare is myositis as the initial presentation of this vasculitis

Myositis as the initial presentation of panarteritis nodosa. / Miositis como forma de presentación de panarteritis nodosa.

A 47-year-old man presented with weight loss, bilateral calf pain, fever, hypertension, orchitis and oligoarthritis. Lab tests: anemia and elevated muscle enzymes. Resonance magnetic imaging: hyperintensity in gastrocnemius muscles (myositis). Histologic exam of the muscles: inflammatory infiltrate with atrophy and perifascicular regeneration. Treatment: methylprednisone (bolus) and cyclophosphamide. Muscle pain and swelling and difficulty in walking are common in panarteritis nodosa (PAN), whereas histologically demonstrated myositis is not. Even more rare is myositis as the initial presentation of this vasculitis.