Cervical spine deformity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: from prevention to prediction

Lebouille-Veldman, A.B. (2026)

Doctoral Thesis

This thesis aimed to research and describe the possible relationship between cervical spine deformity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic disease activity. Also, potential influence of different medications on cervical spine deformity was studied. Risk factors for cervical spine deformity in RA were researched using classical statistics, as well as a deep learning model to work towards prediction of cervical spine deformity.

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Cervical spine deformity
• Disease activity score
• Deep learning
• Biological DMARDs
• Glucocorticoids

• All authors: Lebouille-Veldman, A.B.
• Supervisor: Vleggeert-Lankamp, C.LA.; Huizinga, T.W.J.
• Committee: Staring, M.; Kloppenburg, M.; Mekary, R.; Boselie, T.
• Qualification: Doctor (dr.)
• Awarding Institution: Faculty of Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden University
• Date: 2026-02-11
• ISBN (print): 9789465224794