An exploratory study to determine the role of effusion, i.e., fluid in the joint, in pain, and radiographic progression in patients with hand osteoarthritis. Distal and proximal interphalangeal... Show moreAn exploratory study to determine the role of effusion, i.e., fluid in the joint, in pain, and radiographic progression in patients with hand osteoarthritis. Distal and proximal interphalangeal joints (87 patients, 82% women, mean age 59 years) were assessed for pain. T2-weighted and Gd-chelate contrast-enhanced T1-weighted magnetic resonance images were scored for enhanced synovial thickening (EST, i.e., synovitis), effusion (EST and T2-high signal intensity [hsi]) and bone marrow lesions (BMLs). Effusion was defined as follows: (1) T2-hsi > 0 and EST = 0; or 2) T2-hsi = EST but in different joint locations. Baseline and 2-year follow-up radiographs were scored following Kellgren-Lawrence, increase >= 1 defined progression. Associations between the presence of effusion and pain and radiographic progression, taking into account EST and BML presence, were explored on the joint level. Effusion was present in 17% (120/691) of joints, with (63/120) and without (57/120) EST. Effusion on itself was not associated with pain or progression. The association with pain and progression, taking in account other known risk factors, was stronger in the absence of effusion (OR [95% CI] 1.7 [1.0-2.9] and 3.2 [1.7-5.8]) than in its presence (1.6 [0.8-3.0] and 1.3 [0.5-3.1]). Effusion can be assessed on MR images and seems not to be associated with pain or radiographic progression but attenuates the association between synovitis and progression. Show less
Dakkak, Y.J.; Matthijssen, X.M.E.; Heijde, D. van der; Reijnierse, M.; Helm-van Mil, A.H.M. van der 2020
Objective. The Rheumatoid Arthritis Magnetic Resonance Imaging Score (RAMRIS) is validated for hand MRI. Its reliability applied to metatarsophalangeal (MTP 1-5) joints is unknown and was studied... Show moreObjective. The Rheumatoid Arthritis Magnetic Resonance Imaging Score (RAMRIS) is validated for hand MRI. Its reliability applied to metatarsophalangeal (MTP 1-5) joints is unknown and was studied in early arthritis and clinically suspect arthralgia.Methods. Patients underwent 1.5 Tesla MRI of MTP, metacarpophalangeal (MCP 2-5), and wrist joints. Two paired readers scored bone marrow edema (BME), synovitis, tenosynovitis, and erosions. Interreader reliability was assessed of 441 consecutive early arthritis patients at baseline, 215 by 2 readers, and the remaining 226 by 2 different readers. Two readers scored baseline MRI of 82 consecutive patients with clinically suspect arthralgia, and 40 randomly selected patients by 9 readers. Intrareader reliability was determined on a random set of 15 early arthritis patients, scored twice by 2 readers. For change scores, 30 early arthritis patients with baseline and 1-year followup MRI were scored by 2 readers. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), Bland-Altman (BA) plots, and smallest detectable change (SDC) were determined. MRI data of MTP joints were compared to wrist and MCP joints.Results. Interreader ICC and mean scores in early arthritis were BME ICC 0.91-0.92 (mean 1.5 +/- SD 2.6), synovitis 0.90-0.92 (1.3 +/- 1.7), tenosynovitis 0.80-0.85 (1.1 +/- 1.8), and erosions 0.88-0.89 (0.7 +/- 1.0). In patients with clinically suspect arthralgia, ICC were comparable. Intrareader ICC for inflammatory MRI features were 0.84-0.98, for erosions 0.71 (reader 1), and 0.92 (reader 2). Change score ICC were = 0.90, except erosions (0.77). SDC were = 1.0. BA plots showed no systematic bias. Reliability scores of MTP joints were similar to MCP and wrist joints.Conclusion. Status and change MRI scores of BME, synovitis, tenosynovitis, and erosions of MTP joints can be assessed reliably by RAMRIS. Show less
Alegria, G.C.; Voirin-Hertz, M.; Garrigues, F.; Herbette, M.; Deloire, L.; Simon, A.; ... ; Saraux, A. 2020
Objective. Lumbosacral transitional vertebras (LSTVs) are common in the general population, but their potential impact on the sacroiliac joints is unclear. We aimed to determine the prevalence of... Show moreObjective. Lumbosacral transitional vertebras (LSTVs) are common in the general population, but their potential impact on the sacroiliac joints is unclear. We aimed to determine the prevalence of LSTVs and to assess their associations with sacroiliitis by standard radiography and MRI in a population with suspected axial spondyloarthritis.Methods. The data were from the DESIR cohort of 688 patients aged 18-50 years with inflammatory low back pain for 3 months but <3 years suggesting axial spondyloarthritis. The baseline pelvic radiographs were read by two blinded readers for the presence and type (Castellvi classification) of LSTVs. Associations between LSTVs and other variables collected at baseline and at the diagnosis were assessed using the chi(2) test (or Fisher's exact test) or the Mann-Whitney test.Results. LSTV was found in 200/688 (29.1%) patients. Castellvi type was Ia in 54 (7.8%), Ib in 76 (11.0%), IIa in 20 (2.9%), IIb in 12 (1.7%), IIIa in 7 (1.0%), IIIb in 21 (3.0%) and IV in 10 (1.4%) patients. Compared with the group without LSTVs, the group with LSTVs had higher proportions of patients meeting modified New York criteria for radiographic sacroiliitis (19% vs 27%, respectively; P = 0.013) and Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society MRI criteria for sacroiliitis (29% vs 39%, respectively; P = 0.019).Conclusion. In patients with inflammatory back pain suggesting axial spondyloarthritis, LSTVs are associated with both radiographic and MRI sacroiliitis. Show less
Stal, R.; Gaalen, F. van; Sepriano, A.; Braun, J.; Reijnierse, M.; Berg, R. van den; ... ; Baraliakos, X. 2020
ObjectivesTo evaluate the occurrence and progression of facet joint ankylosis in the whole spine using low-dose CT (ldCT) in radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (r-axSpA) and compare progression... Show moreObjectivesTo evaluate the occurrence and progression of facet joint ankylosis in the whole spine using low-dose CT (ldCT) in radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (r-axSpA) and compare progression of facet joint ankylosis and syndesmophytes.MethodsPatients with r-axSpA from the Sensitive Imaging in Ankylosing Spondylitis (SIAS) cohort underwent ldCT at baseline (n = 60) and 2 years (n = 53). Facet joints (right and left, levels C2-S1) were scored as ankylosed, not ankylosed or unable to assess. Joints that were frequently poorly visible (>15% missing), were excluded. Inter-reader reliability on the patient level was assessed with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and smallest detectable change (SDC). Ankylosis was assessed at joint level and patient level for both timepoints. Syndesmophytes were assessed with CT syndesmophyte score.ResultsLevels C5-T2 were difficult to assess and excluded from all further analyses. Facet joint ICCs were good to excellent for status scores (0.72–0.93) and poor to excellent for progression scores (0.10–0.91). Facet joint ankylosis was detected at every level but most frequently in the thoracic joints. In total, 48% of patients showed 2-year progression. Most progression occurred in the thoracic segment. Using SDCs as cutoff, 18% of patients had progression of facet joint ankylosis only, whereas 20% of patients had progression of syndesmophytes only.ConclusionThis is the first study evaluating facet joints in the whole spine by ldCT in r-axSpA. Facet joint ankylosis was detected most often in the thoracic spine. Assessing facet joints in addition to syndesmophytes detected substantially more patients with damage progression over two years. Show less
Dakkak, Y.J.; Boer, A.C.; Boeters, D.M.; Niemantsverdriet, E.; Reijnierse, M.; Helm-van Mil, A.H.M. van der 2020
Background The relationship between physical joint examination (PE) and MRI-detected inflammation in early inflammatory arthritis has mostly been studied in the hands. Physical examination of MTP... Show moreBackground The relationship between physical joint examination (PE) and MRI-detected inflammation in early inflammatory arthritis has mostly been studied in the hands. Physical examination of MTP joints is considered difficult, and for these joints, this relationship is unknown. Therefore, we studied the concordance of PE with MRI inflammation in MTP joints. Metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints were included for comparison. Methods One thousand seven hundred fifty-nine MTP(2-5) and 1750 MCP(2-5) joints of 441 consecutive patients with early arthritis underwent PE (for joint swelling) and MRI, all evaluated by two assessors. MRI was scored for synovitis, tenosynovitis, and osteitis (summed MRI inflammation). Synovial intermetatarsal bursae may enlarge upon inflammation and become palpable and were therefore also assessed. Analyses (frequencies, GEE) were performed on joint level. Results PE and MRI were concordant in 79% of MTP joints. Of 1606 non-swollen MTP joints, 83% showed no MRI inflammation and 17% showed subclinical MRI inflammation. Of 153 swollen MTP joints, 48% had MRI inflammation and 52% (79 MTP joints) did not. Of these 79 swollen MTP joints without MRI inflammation, 31 showed intermetatarsal bursitis and 48 joints had none of these MRI abnormalities (this concerned 31% of swollen MTP joints). MTP swelling was statistically independently associated with tenosynovitis (OR 2.21, 95% CI 1.1-4.3) and intermetatarsal bursitis (OR 2.91, 95% CI 1.8-4.8). MTP joints showed subclinical inflammation less often than MCP joints (17% vs. 34%, P < 0.001). Swollen MTP joints showed MRI inflammation less often than swollen MCP joints (48% vs. 88%, P < 0.001). Conclusions The absence of swelling of MTP joints in early arthritis is mostly accompanied by the absence of MRI-detected inflammation. Swollen MTP joints are, in addition to synovitis, also explained by tenosynovitis and intermetatarsal bursitis and partly unexplained by MRI. Their clinical relevance must be determined in longitudinal studies. Show less
Dakkak, Y.J.; Jansen, F.P.; DeRuiter, M.C.; Reijnierse, M.; Helm-van Mil, A.H.M. van der 2020
Background: Although tenosynovitis in the hands is associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), it is unknown whether tenosynovitis of the forefoot is associated with RA.Purpose: To determine the... Show moreBackground: Although tenosynovitis in the hands is associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), it is unknown whether tenosynovitis of the forefoot is associated with RA.Purpose: To determine the anatomy of tendon sheaths of the forefoot and the relationship between MRI-detected tenosynovitis at metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints and RA.Materials and Methods: Fourteen forefeet of donated bodies were examined at flexor tendons and extensor tendons for the presence and course of tendon sheaths. In the prospective study between June 2013 and March 2016, newly presenting patients with RA, patients with other early arthritides, and healthy control participants all underwent MRI of unilateral MTP joints 1-5. MRI studies were scored by two independent readers for tenosynovitis, synovitis, and bone marrow edema. The association between the presence of these features and RA was examined by using logistic regression.Results: Macroscopically, all extensor and flexor tendons crossing MTP joints demonstrated sheaths surrounding tendons. Microscopically, a synovial sheath was present. MRI evaluation was performed in 634 participants: 157 newly presenting patients with RA (109 women; mean age, 59 years 6 11 [standard deviation]), 284 patients with other early arthritides (158 women; mean age, 56 years 6 17), and 193 healthy control participants (136 women; mean age, 50 years 6 16). MRI-detected tenosynovitis was associated with RA, both when compared with patients with other arthritides (odds ratio [OR], 2.5; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.7, 3.9; P < .001) and healthy control participants (OR, 46; 95% CI: 14, 151; P < .001). The association was OR of 2.4 (95% CI: 1.5, 3.8; P < .001) for flexor tendons and OR of 3.1 (95% CI: 1.9, 5.2; P < .001) for extensor tendons. The sensitivity of tenosynovitis in RA was 65 of 157 (41%; 95% CI: 35%, 50%). The specificity for RA was 63 of 284 (78%; 95% CI: 72%, 82%) compared with other arthritides, and three of 193 (98%; 95% CI: 96%, 99%) compared with healthy control participants.Conclusion: Tendons at metatarsophalangeal joints are surrounded by tenosynovium. MRI-detected tenosynovitis at metatarsophalangeal joints was specific for rheumatoid arthritis when compared with findings in patients with other arthritides and findings in healthy control participants. (C) RSNA, 2020 Show less
Voirin-Hertz, M.; Alegria, G.C.; Garrigues, F.; Simon, A.; Feydy, A.; Reijnierse, M.; ... ; Saraux, A. 2020
Objective: Scoliosis may impact the mechanical loading and cause secondary changes of the sacroiliac joints and lumbar spine. Our goal was to look how lumbar scoliosis modify the clinical and... Show moreObjective: Scoliosis may impact the mechanical loading and cause secondary changes of the sacroiliac joints and lumbar spine. Our goal was to look how lumbar scoliosis modify the clinical and imaging-study in patients with recent-onset inflammatory back pain (IBP) suggesting axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA).Methods: Baseline weight-bearing lumbar-spine radiographs obtained in the DESIR cohort of patients aged 18-50 years and having IBP for at least 3 months but less than 3 years suggesting axSpA were studied. After training on scoliosis detection based on Cobb's angle>10 degrees plus Nash-Moe grade >= 1, readers blinded to patient data measured spine lumbar scoliosis, sacral horizontal angle, lumbosacral angle and lumbar lordosis on the radiograph of the lumbar and scored sacroiliitis on the radiograph of the pelvis. Baseline MRIs T1 and STIR of the lumbar spine and sacroiliac joints were evaluated for respectively degenerative changes and signs of axSpA.Results: Of the 360 patients (50.8% females) 88.7% had lumbar pain and 69.3% met ASAS criteria for axSpA. Mean Cobb's angle was 3.2 degrees +/- 5.0 degrees and 28 (7.7%) patients had lumbar scoliosis. No statistical differences were observed for radiographic sacroiliitis, MRI sacroiliitis, modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spinal Score, Pfirmmann score, high-intensity zone, protrusion, extrusion, MODIC score between patients with and without scoliosis. In both groups, degenerative changes by MRI were rare and predominated at L4-L5 and L5-S1.Conclusion: In patients with early IBP suggesting axSpA, lumbar scoliosis was not associated with inflammatory or degenerative changes. (C) 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Show less
Alegria, G.C.; Deloire, L.; Herbette, M.; Garrigues, F.; Gossec, L.; Simon, A.; ... ; Saraux, A. 2020
Objective. To assess associations of spinal-pelvic orientation with clinical and imaging-study findings suggesting axial SpA (axSpA) in patients with recent-onset inflammatory back pain.Methods.... Show moreObjective. To assess associations of spinal-pelvic orientation with clinical and imaging-study findings suggesting axial SpA (axSpA) in patients with recent-onset inflammatory back pain.Methods. Spinal-pelvic orientation was assessed in DESIR cohort patients with recent-onset inflammatory back pain and suspected axSpA, by using lateral lumbar-spine radiographs to categorize sacral horizontal angle (<40 degrees vs >= 40 degrees), lumbosacral angle (<15 degrees vs >= 15 degrees) and lumbar lordosis (LL, <50 degrees vs >= 50 degrees). Associations between these angle groups and variables collected at baseline and 2 years later were assessed using the chi(2) test (or Fisher's exact) and the Mann-Whitney test. With Bonferroni's correction, P < 0.001 indicated significant differences.Results. Of 362 patients, 358, 356 and 357 had available sacral horizontal angle, lumbosacral angle and LL values, respectively; means were 39.3 degrees, 14.6 degrees and 53.0 degrees, respectively. The prevalence of sacroiliitis on both radiographs and MRI was higher in the LL < 50 degrees group than in the LL >= 50 degrees group, but the difference was not statistically significant. Clinical presentation and confidence in a diagnosis of axSpA did not differ across angle groups. No significant differences were identified for degenerative changes according to sacral horizontal angle, lumbosacral angle or LL.Conclusion. Spinal-pelvic balance was not statistically associated with the clinical or imaging-study findings suggesting axSpA in patients with recent-onset inflammatory back pain. Show less
Ramiro, S.; Heijde, D. van der; Sepriano, A.; Lunteren, M. van; Molt?, A.; Feydy, A.; ... ; Claudepierre, P. 2019
Background Hand osteoarthritis is a prevalent joint condition that has a high burden of disease and an unmet medical need for effective therapeutic options. Since local inflammation is recognised... Show moreBackground Hand osteoarthritis is a prevalent joint condition that has a high burden of disease and an unmet medical need for effective therapeutic options. Since local inflammation is recognised as contributing to osteoarthritic complaints, the Hand Osteoarthritis Prednisolone Efficacy (HOPE) study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of short-term prednisolone in patients with painful hand osteoarthritis and synovial inflammation.Methods The HOPE study is a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial. We recruited eligible adults from rheumatology outpatient clinics at two sites in the Netherlands. Patients were considered eligible if they had symptomatic hand osteoarthritis and signs of inflammation in their distal and proximal interphalangeal (DIP/PIP) joints. For inclusion, patients were required to have four or more DIP/PIP joints with osteoarthritic nodes; at least one DIP/PIP joint with soft swelling or erythema; at least one DIP/PIP joint with a positive power Doppler signal or synovial thickening of at least grade 2 on ultrasound; and finger pain of at least 30 mm on a 100-mm visual analogue scale (VAS) that flared up during a 48-h non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) washout (defined as worsening of finger pain by at least 20 mm on the VAS). Eligible patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive 10 mg prednisolone or placebo orally once daily for 6 weeks, followed by a 2-week tapering scheme, and a 6-week follow-up without study medication. The patients and study team were masked to treatment assignment. The primary endpoint was finger pain, assessed on a VAS, at 6 weeks in participants who had been randomly assigned to groups and attended the baseline visit. This study is registered with the Netherlands Trial Registry, number NTR5263.Findings We screened patients for enrolment between Dec 3, 2015, and May 31, 2018. Patients completed baseline visits and started treatment between Dec 14, 2015, and July 2, 2018, and the last study visit of the last patient was Oct 4, 2018. Of 149 patients assessed for eligibility, 57 (38%) patients were excluded (predominantly because they did not meet one or several inclusion criteria, most often because of an absence of synovial inflammation or of flare-ups after NSAID washout) and 92 (62%) patients were eligible for inclusion. We randomly assigned 46 (50%) patients to receive prednisolone and 46 (50%) patients to receive placebo, all of whom were included in the modified intention-to-treat analysis of the primary endpoint. 42 (91%) patients in the prednisolone group and 42 (91%) in the placebo group completed the 14-week study. The mean change between baseline and week 6 on VAS-reported finger pain was -21.5 (SD 21.7) in the prednisolone group and -5.2 (24.3) in the placebo group, with a mean between-group difference (of prednisolone vs placebo) of -16.5 (95% CI -26.1 to -6.9; p=0.0007). The number of non-serious adverse events was similar between the groups. Five serious adverse events were reported during our study: one serious adverse event in the prednisolone group (a myocardial infarction) and four serious adverse events in the placebo group (an infected traumatic leg haematoma that required surgery, bowel surgery, atrial fibrillation that required a pacemaker implantation, and symptomatic uterine myomas that required a hysterectomy). Four (4%) patients discontinued the study because of an adverse event: one (2%) patient receiving prednisolone (for a myocardial infarction) and three (7%) patients receiving placebo (for surgery of the bowel and for an infected leg haematoma and for Lyme disease arthritis of the knee).Interpretation Treatment with 10 mg prednisolone for 6 weeks is efficacious and safe for the treatment of patients with painful hand osteoarthritis and signs of inflammation. The results of our study provide clinicians with a new short-term treatment option for patients with hand osteoarthritis who report a flare-up of their disease. Copyright (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. Show less
Swart, N.M.; Oudenaarde, K. van; Bierma-Zeinstra, S.M.A.; Bloem, H.J.L.; Hout, W.B. van den; Algra, P.R.; ... ; Luijsterburg, P.A.J. 2019
Objective: To investigate determinants of decrease and increase in joint pain in symptomatic finger osteoarthritis (OA) on magnetic resonance (MR) imaging over 2 years.Design: Eighty-five patients ... Show moreObjective: To investigate determinants of decrease and increase in joint pain in symptomatic finger osteoarthritis (OA) on magnetic resonance (MR) imaging over 2 years.Design: Eighty-five patients (81.2% women, mean age 59.2 years) with primary hand OA (89.4% fulfilling American College of Rheumatology (ACR) classification criteria) from a rheumatology outpatient clinic received contrast-enhanced MR imaging (1.5T) and physical examination of the right interphalangeal finger joints 2-5 at baseline and at follow-up 2 years later. MR images were scored paired in unknown time order, following the Hand OA MRI scoring system (HOAMRIS). Joint pain upon palpation was assessed by research nurses. Odds ratios (ORs; 95% confidence intervals) were estimated on joint level (n = 680), using generalized estimating equations (GEE) to account for the within patient effects. Additional adjustments were made for change in MR-defined osteophytes, synovitis, and bone marrow lesions (BMLs).Results: Of 116 painful joints at baseline, at follow-up: 76 had less pain, 21 less synovitis, and 13 less BMLs. A decrease in synovitis (OR = 5.9; 1.12-31.0), but not in BMLs (OR = 0.39; 0.10-1.50), was associated with less pain. Of 678 joints without maximum baseline pain, at follow-up: 115 had increased pain, 132 increased synovitis, 96 increased BMLs, and 44 increased osteophytes. Increased synovitis (OR = 1.81; 1.11-2.94), osteophytes (OR = 2.75; 1.59-4.8), but not BMLs (OR = 1.14; 0.81-1.60), was associated with increased pain. Through stratification it became apparent that BMLs were mainly acting as effect modifier of the synovitisepain association.Conclusion: Decrease in MR-defined synovitis is associated with reduced joint pain, identifying synovitis as a possible target for treatment of finger OA. (C) 2019 Osteoarthritis Research Society International. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. Show less
Bakker, P.A.C.; Ramiro, S.; Ez-Zaitouni, Z.; Lunteren, M. van; Berg, I.J.; Landewe, R.; ... ; Heijde, D. van der 2019
