Forefoot inflammation in recent-onset ACPA-positive and ACPA-negative RA: clinically similar, but different in underlying inflamed tissues.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Although joint swelling is traditionally interpreted as synovitis, recent imaging studies showed that there is also inflammation of tenosynovium and intermetatarsal bursae in the forefoot. We aimed to increase our understanding of differences and similarities regarding forefoot involvement between ACPA-positive and ACPA-negative rheumatoid arthritis (RA) at diagnosis. Therefore, we (1) compared metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint counts, walking disabilities and inflamed tissues between ACPA groups and (2) studied associations of joint swelling/tenderness and walking disabilities with underlying inflamed tissues within ACPA groups.

Methods

171 ACPA-positive and 203 ACPA-negative consecutively diagnosed patients with RA had a physical joint examination (swollen joint c

SUBMITTER: Ton DA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11448120 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature