Increased levels of alternatively spliced interleukin 4 (IL-4delta2) transcripts in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with systemic sclerosis.

Recent in vitro studies have shown that interleukin 4 (IL-4) induces and gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) inhibits collagen production. To define the TH1(IFN-gamma) and TH2(IL-4) cytokine profiles in systemic sclerosis (Sscl), a disease characterized by widespread fibrosis, we investigated IL-4 and IFN-gamma transcripts in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and plasma protein levels in 13 patients with Sscl. Two previously identified IL-4 transcripts, a full-length transcript and an alternatively spliced (truncated) transcript (designated IL-4delta2), were identified in patients and normal controls.

Relapsing cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa associated with streptococcal infections.

Background: Polyarteritis nodosa is an aggressive, often fatal form of vasculitis associated with multi-organ involvement. Cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa is purported to be a more benign form of this disorder with involvement limited to the skin.

Methods: The identification of a female patient from childhood to adulthood documenting repeated episodes of cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa following bouts of recurrent streptococcal pharyngitis.

Coexistence of adult onset Still's disease and polymyositis with rhabdomyolysis successfully treated with methotrexate and corticosteroids.

Adult onset Still's disease is a disorder characterized by spiking fevers, rash, arthritis, serositis and myalgia. Erosive arthritis is a well recognized feature, however, myositis is not. We describe a patient with adult onset Still's disease, polymyositis (PM) and rhabdomyolysis successfully treated with methotrexate (MTX) and corticosteroids.

Giant synovial cysts.

Giant synovial cysts (GSC) are large, well-defined cavities, containing synovial fluid and lined by a synovium-like membrane, which extend for a variable distance outside the joint cavity. We are reporting 15 cases of GSC of various joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common disease process reported in association with GSC.