RheumatologyReview

SLE• Multisystem inflammatory autoimmune disorder: Antibody

and immune complex deposition• Females >> Males, African-American, young to middle age• Symptoms/Signs

– Constitutional: H/A, fatigue, fever, weight loss, arthralgias– MS: arthralgias, myalgia, arthritis– Derm/mucosal: patchy alopecia, malar rash, discoid lesions, livedo

reticularis, vasculitic purpura, Raynaud phenomenon, photosensitivity, soft palate/oral ulcers

– Renal: Glomerulonephritis, nephrotic/nephritic syndromes, ARF/CRF– Psychiatric/Neuro: H/A, depression, seizures, psychosis, TIA/CVA,

peripheral and cranial neuropathy– Cardiac: pericarditis/pericardial effusion, Serositis, Libman-Sacks

endocarditis Mitral Regurgitation, CAD/infarction, coronary thrombosis– Pulmonary: pleural effusion, Serositis, pulmonary embolism, lupus

pneumonitis, chronic lupus interstitial lung disease, infarction– GI: autoimmune hepatitis (jaundice), mesenteric vasculitis bowel

infarction, hepatosplenomegaly

SLE– Hematologic: anemia (Fe-deficient vs Anemia of

chronic disease vs. Autoimmune hemolytic), pancytopenia (esp. lymphopenia), hypocomplementemia

– Ocular: Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca, retinal hemorrhages, cotton wool spots, uveitis

– Other: Antiphospholipid antibodies • Lupus Anticoagulant: prolongation of aPTT (clotting

and recurrent miscarriage)• Anticardiolipin (ACL) antibodies

– Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome• Recurrent vessel occlusion (Hypercoagulable state),

fetal loss, thrombocytopenia, livedo recticularis + Antiphospholipid antibodies, but without features of SLE

Diagnostic Criteria: American Rheumatology Association

• Any 4 of the Following:1. Malar Rash

2. Discoid rash

3. Photosensitivity

4. Oral Ulcers

5. Arthritis involving more than 2 joints (Polyarthritis)

6. Serositis (Pleuritis, Pericarditis, Peritonitis)

7. Antinuclear Antibody titer positive

8. Renal disease (proteinuria)

9. Neurologic disorder (Seizures, Psychosis)

10.Anemia, Neutropenia or Thrombocytopenia

11.Anti-dsDNA, Anti-Sm positive, Syphilis False Positive

Diagnosis: SLE Antibodies• Antinuclear (ANA): highly sensitive only

• Smith Antibody (Anti-Smith or Anti-Sm) – Low sensitivity, high specificity

• Double Stranded DNA Antibody (Anti-dsDNA)– Low sensitivity, high specificity– Correlates with disease activity and lupus

nephritis

• Histone Antibody (Anti-histone)– Associated with drug induced lupus

(Procainamide, Isoniazid, Hydralazine)

SLE: Other + Antibodies, Other Diagnostics

• Anti-ribosomal P (sPecific, Psychosis)

• Anti-Ro (Anti-SSA)

• Anti-La (Anti-SSB)

• Anti-RNP

• Coombs test–positive

• Inflammatory markers: ESR, CRP

SLE: Treatment

• Supportive/emotional support

• Rest, NSAIDS: arthralgias

• Corticosteroids: visceral complications

• AntiMALARials: rash, arthralgias

• Anticoagulation: Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome

• Immunosuppressants: recalcitrant to steroids

RA• A chronic systemic inflammatory disease with

synovial membrane affliction. Characterized by inflammation of ligaments and proliferation/thickening of synovium, leading to destruction of various tissues such as cartilage, bone, tendons, the joint capsule, ligaments, and blood vessels. The key component of immune complex formation occurs due to crosslinkage of rheumatoid factor (IgM) against IgG.

• Joint changes: chronic synovitis with pannus formation erosion of cartilage, ligaments, tendons, bone

RA• Females > males, Middle aged

• Symptoms/Signs– MS: symmetric joint manifestations

• Swelling, warmth, tenderness, pain, morning stiffness > 1 hour (↓ during day)

• PIP, MCP joints, wrists; elbows, knees, ankles, MTP– Spares: DIPs, T-spine, LS-spine

• Mononeuropathies: median nerve entrapment• Cervical spine: atlantoaxial subluxation

RA: Extra-Articular Signs • SQ Rheumatoid nodules

– Of bony prominences, bursae, tendon sheaths

• Constitutional: malaise, weight loss, low-grade fever, anorexia

• Vasculitis: palmar erythema, digital hemorrhagic infarction, palpable purpura

• Anemia of Chronic Disease (normochromic/cytic)• Cardiac: pericarditis/pericardial effusion, block• Pulmonary: effusion, pleuritis, interstitial fibrosis,

nodules (Caplan syndrome), and bronchiolitis obliterans-organizing pneumonia (BOOP)

• Ocular: Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca, Scleritis, Episcleritis, Keratitis, Scleromalacia

RA: Diagnosis• Rheumatoid Factor

– Sensitive, not specific– Present in 75% of those with disease– Correlates with disease severity and prognosis

• + ANA • Elevations in IgG and IgM• Normochromic/cytic anemia• Leukocytosis or leukopenia• ESR, CRP ↑• Radiological changes (X-Ray)

– Early: soft tissue swelling, juxta-articular demineralization– Late: uniform joint space narrowing, bony erosions,

subluxation

RA: Treatment• Supportive• Rest, emotional support• Physical therapy• Joint rest• NSAIDS • DMARDS: methotrexate, antimalarials,

steroids, sulfasalazine, leflunomide, azathioprine, cyclosporin A, minocycline, gold salts, penicillamine

• TNF blockers: etanercept, infliximab, and adalimumab

• Interleukin receptor blockers: anakinra

Juvenile RA (Still’s Disease)• Chronic synovial inflammation in children < 16

yrs old for at least 6 weeks; symmetric joint disease

• 3 Subtypes– Pauciarticular (Most common, females > males, age

< 8)• Affects 4 or fewer joints, associated w/ Uveitis

– Polyarticular: bimodal age distribution (1-6 or 11-16 years), > 5 joints

– Systemic: hepatomegaly and splenomegaly, lymphadenopathy, high daily relapsing/spiking fever, recurrent evanescent “salmon-pink” rash; pericarditis, heart failure

JRA: Diagnostics

• ESR

• ANA

• RF

• Radiological

• Echo

JRA: Treatment

• NSAIDS

• Methotrexate

• Ophthalmology consult

• Physical therapy, splinting, orthotics

Rheumatic Fever• Develops in children and adolescents following

pharyngitis with group A beta-hemolytic Streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes)

• Diagnosis: Jones Criteria– Two Major Criteria or, – One Major and 2 Minor Criteria + Documented GABHS

• Major– Carditis (ie, endocarditis mitral stenosis,

pericarditis)– Polyarthritis (transient, migratory)– Sydenham's Chorea– Erythema marginatum – Subcutaneous Nodules

Rheumatic Fever

• Minor Criteria– Arthralgias – Fever – Elevated Sedimentation Rate (ESR) – Elevated C-Reactive Protein – Prolonged PR interval on Electrocardiogram

• Documented GABHS infection– Throat culture, Rapid Strep antigen test,

antistreptolysin O (ASO)

Rheumatic Fever

Treatment and Prevention:• Appropriate antibiotics

Complications• Mitral insufficiency and stenosis

• Endocarditis

• Heart failure

• Dysrrhythmia

Systemic Sclerosis • Chronic condition of skin and internal organ

fibrosis; results from inflammation and progressive tissue fibrosis and occlusion of the microvasculature by excessive production and deposition of types I and III collagens

• 2 Subtypes– Limited (80%)

• CREST syndrome, limited to face and hands• Calcinosis, Raynaud phenomenon, esophageal

hypomotility (GERD Barrett esophagitis), Sclerodactyly, Telangiectases

– Diffuse• Sclerosis of trunk and proximal extremities

Systemic Sclerosis• Musculoskeletal

– arthralgia, myalgia, ↓range of motion, symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, muscle weakness

• Respiratory – dyspnea, chest pain, pulmonary artery hypertension, dry

persistent cough due to restrictive lung disease• Cardiovascular

– pericardial effusion/pericarditis, CHF, myocardial fibrosis, RVF

• Renal system – Hypertension, renal crisis, CRI

• Vascular system – Raynaud phenomenon, fingertip ulcers, cutaneous &

mucosal telangiectasis• Skin

– Pruritus, tightness and induration, hyper/hypopigmentation

Systemic Sclerosis• GI

– GER caused by lower esophageal sphincter (LES) incompetence and decreased or absent peristalsis in the lower 2/3 of the esophagus hoarseness, aspiration pneumonia, and dysphagia. Also dyspepsia, bloating, early satiety, alternating constipation/diarrhea malabsorption, impaired sphincter function

• ENT– Sicca syndrome

• Constitutional– Fever, malaise, weight loss

• Neurological- H/A, CVA

Systemic Sclerosis

• Raynaud phenomenon– pallor, cyanosis, and/or rubor on the hands

bilaterally in response to cold or emotional stress– Treatment

• Mainstay: Calcium channel blockers• Others: topical nitroglycerin

Systemic Sclerosis: Diagnostics

• Antinuclear antibodies

• Topoisomerase I antibodies (Scl-70)

• Anticentromere antibodies

• Radiological

• CBC and BMP

• UA

• PFT

Systemic Sclerosis: Treatment

• GERD: H2 blockers, PPIs

• GI hypomotility: prokinetic agents (cisapride)

• Renal crisis prevention: ACE inhibitors

• Pulmonary interstitial fibrosis: cyclophosphamide

• GI malabsorption: tetracycline

Fibromyalgia

• A common (3-5% prevalence), painful, female predominant rheumatic syndrome, without definite causation. Links to depression, viral infection, and abnormal sensory perception exist

• Pain Pattern: bilateral, chronic, aching pain and tenderness, with stiffness, that is periarticluar, above and below the waist, > 3 months.– Concentration of pain and stiffness around the

neck, shoulders, lower back, and hips

Fibromyalgia• Other Hx: sleep disruption, fatigue,

depression, anxiety, mood changes, diminished concentration, digital numbness/tingling, altered temperature sensation, headaches, constipation/diarrhea, urinary frequency

• Fever, weight loss, and weakness are not findings

• Physical: Unremarkable except for multiple tender points in specific locations, > 11 tender points per patient

Fibromyalgia: Diagnostics• Negative work up• R/o serious illnesses: a diagnosis of exclusionDDX• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Common in females/adolescents,

characterized by persistent or relapsing fatigue/lassitude (not MS pain) over > 6 months. Must also have 4 of the following:

A. Constitutional: Sore Throat, low grade fever B. Painful cervical or axillary lymph nodes C. Forgetfulness or memory impairment D. Myalgias or muscle discomfortMigratory, non-inflammatory arthralgiaE. New, Generalized Headaches F. Sleep disturbance (not refreshing) G. Generalized Fatigue after Exercise over 24 hours

Fibromyalgia: Treatment• Antidepressants

– TCAs and SSRIs

• Muscle relaxants – Flexeril

• Exercise program• Physical therapy• Stress management, support groups• NSAIDS, opiates, and steroids are

ineffective!• “It’s not in your head”

Vasculitis Syndromes• A group of disorders characterized by

inflammation and necrosis of blood vessels. The purported cause is an autoimmune reponse to: infection, and reactions to drugs and vaccines

• Are classified based on vessel size affliction and/or body system predilection

• Symptoms arise from direct damage to the blood vessels or from indirect damage to tissues (such as nerves or organs) whose blood supply has been disrupted.

Buerger’s Disease

AKA Thromboangiitis Obliterans; small and

medium sized extremity vessels. Affects young male

smokers. Raynaud's Phenomenon, intermittent

claudication, digital ulcers, extremity numbness/tingling. All

labs normal

Behcet’s Disease

HLA-B51 relationship; a panvasculitis. Oral & genital ulcers,

anterior uveitis, seronegative polyarthritis, retinal vasculitis,

skin ulcers, erythema nodosum

Takayasu’s arteritis

large arteries, (aorta and branches), causing blockages and loss of pulse, chest pain; most common in children, young females

Polyarteritis Nodosa

Inflammatory necrotizing vasculitis of medium and small-sized arteries. Affects peripheral nerves (neuropathy), CNS, kidneys, liver, GI tract, skin (palpable purpura, infarctions, ulcerations, distal gangrene, subcutaneous nodules)

Temporal arteritis

Large vessel vasculitis; H/A, jaw claudication, visual loss, diplopia, temporal artery/scalp tenderness, constitutional. DX: Clinical/ESR/biopsy. TX: High dose prednisone

Small Vessel Vasculitis• Microscopic polyarteritis, microscopic

polyangiitis (MPA)

• Manifestations:

– Palpable purpura

– Hematuria (glomerulonephritis)

– Hemoptysis

– Arthralgias and Myalgias

– Neuropathy: mononeuritis multiplex

– Constitutional

Polymyalgia Rheumatica• Pain and stiffness in the shoulder and

pelvic girdles + constitutional. Also: neck, arm, thigh pain; associated w/ temporal arteritis.

• No weakness!

• Labs: ESR, normocytic/chromic anemia

Polymyositis/Dermatomyositis

• Idiopathic inflammatory myopathy

• Characterized by progressive proximal lower and upper extremity muscular weakness

• Addition of: dusky red malar rash, heliotrope periorbital edematous rash, “shawl sign,” or dorsal PIP/MCP scaly patches (Gottron’s sign) = dermatomyositis

• Labs: creatine kinase, aldolase, ANA

Gouty Arthritis• Arthritis resulting from the deposition

of sodium urate crystals in one or more joints. Due to: overproduction of uric acid and/or the underexcretion of uric acid

• Presentation: sudden onset of intense monoarticular joint pain (m/c 1st MTP – podagra). Joints are tender, swollen, warm, with overlying erythema. – Fever, and tophi (w/ chronic dz)

Gout: Diagnosis

uric acid, ESR, WBC

• X-Ray

• Joint fluid aspirate– Needle-like sodium urate crystals,

negatively birefringent

Gout: Treatment

• Acute Attack– Indomethacin– Colchicine– COX-2 inhibitor– Corticosteroids

• Maintenance– Overproducer: allopurinol– Under-excreter: probenecid

Pseudogout• Deposition of Calcium Pyrophosphate

Dihydrate Crystals; associated with chondrocalcinosis of affected joints

• Knee is the most commonly affected joint• Joint aspirate

– CPPD crystals, rhomboid-shaped, positively birefringent

• Tx– Underlying chondrocalcinosis– NSAIDS, joint aspiration, steriods, COX-2

Inhibitors

Septic Arthritis• Must always consider in DDX of

gout/pseudogout• Nongonococcal (M/C: S. aureus) vs. N.

gonorrhoeae• Sudden, acute pain, swelling, hot joint. + fever/chills

– Usually knee; also hip, wrist, shoulder, ankle, elbow

• Labs: Synovial fluid aspirate– Turbid: Non-GC Bacteria; clear to opaque: GC, TB– Gram stain & culture– Synovial fluid WBCs > 50,000 cells/µL ( PMNs)

• Blood cultures

Seronegative Spondyloarthropathy

• Absence of serum autoantibodies (i.e., RF)

• HLA-B27 association

Psoriatic Arthritis Ankylosing Spondylitis Inflammatory Bowel Disease with

Spondyloarthropathy Reactive Arthritis (e.g. Reiter's Syndrome)

Ankylosing Spondylitis• Inflammatory axial joint disease; “Sacroiliitis”• Affects young males• Characterized by chronic lower back pain +

radiation to thighs/gluteus, ascending, with stiffness and ROM. Also: peripheral oligoarticular arthritis

• Other:– Anterior Uveitis– Microscopic Colitis– Restricted lung disease (fibrosis), AV block, AI

• DX– X-ray: Bamboo spine, erosions, sclerosis ESR, + HLA-B27

Reiter’s Syndrome• “Reactive arthritis”: follows dysenteric

infection (shigella, salmonella, yersinia, campylobacter), STD (chlamydia, ureaplasma), or HIV

• Aseptic oligoarticular arthritis is asymmetric and affects knees & ankles. Also: sacroiliitis or ankylosing spondylitis

• + constitutional: fever, weight loss

• Dermatological/mucosal– Oral ulcers and stomatitis, keratoderma

blennorrhagica, circinate balanitis

Reiter’s Syndrome• Clinical tetrad: urethritis, conjunctivitis (or

uveitis), mucocutaneous lesions, and aseptic arthritis

• Labs: – normocytic normochromic anemia– ↑ ESR, + HLA-B27

• Tx:– NSAIDS– Tetracyclines– Sulfasalazine