Prevalence of Fibromyalgia Syndrome in Active-Duty Military Personnel.

Objective: Previous research with civilian populations has found strong associations between fibromyalgia (FM) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We undertook this study to investigate the prevalence of FM in military service members with and without PTSD.

Methods: Participants were active duty military personnel recruited into either an epidemiologic cohort study of service members before a military deployment or 1 of 3 PTSD treatment trials.

STRONG STAR and the Consortium to Alleviate PTSD: Shaping the future of combat PTSD and related conditions in military and veteran populations.

The STRONG STAR Consortium (South Texas Research Organizational Network Guiding Studies on Trauma and Resilience) and the Consortium to Alleviate PTSD are interdisciplinary and multi-institutional research consortia focused on the detection, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and comorbid conditions in military personnel and veterans. This manuscript outlines the consortia's state-of-the-science collaborative research model and how this can be used as a roadmap for future trauma-related research. STRONG STAR was initially funded for 5 years in 2008 by the U.

Fibromyalgia in Primary Care.

Fibromyalgia is a common disorder and has substantial impact on quality of life. The cause remains unknown, but current evidence points to multifactorial involvement of pain processing. Clinical diagnosis is aided by evidence-based diagnostic criteria with subscores for widespread pain and symptom severity.

Ultrasonographic Evidence of Persistent Synovitis in a Chikungunya-Infected Service Member.

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is an arthropod-borne alphavirus initially endemic to Central and East Africa but now spreading to Asia, Europe, and most recently the Western hemisphere. CHIKV infection initially presents as an acute, nonspecific febrile syndrome with rash and polyarthralgia, later leading to a chronic arthritis clinically similar to rheumatoid arthritis. We report a case of an active duty military member infected with CHIKV while deployed to Central America, who developed chronic arthritis.

Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Instruction in Adult Rheumatology Fellowship Programs.

Objective: Musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) in rheumatology in the US has advanced by way of promotion of certifications and standards of use and inclusion of core fellowship curriculum. In order to inform endeavors for curricular integration, the objectives of the present study were to assess current program needs for curricular incorporation and the teaching methods that are being employed.

Methods: A needs-assessment survey (S1) was sent to 113 rheumatology fellowship program directors.

Ultrasound Features of the Posterior Tibialis Tendon and Peroneus Brevis Tendon Entheses: Comparison Study Between Healthy Adults and Those With Inflammatory Arthritis.

Objective: Limited literature exists on the sonographic appearance of the posterior tibialis tendon (PTT) and the peroneus brevis tendon (PBT) entheses. We determined the anatomic features and best imaging techniques of normal PTT and PBT using musculoskeletal ultrasound and compared these findings to subjects with inflammatory arthritis.

Methods: Adult subjects were enrolled as healthy controls (HCs), rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, or spondyloarthropathy (SpA) patients.

Anthrax Vaccine and the Risk of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in the U.S. Military: A Case-Control Study.

U.S. military personnel assigned to areas deemed to be at high risk for anthrax attack receive Anthrax Vaccine Adsorbed (AVA).

Does starting allopurinol prolong acute treated gout? A randomized clinical trial.

Background: Traditionally, allopurinol is not initiated during an acute gout attack to avoid prolonging the painful arthritis. The 2012 American College of Rheumatology Guidelines for the Management of Gout suggest that urate-lowering therapy can be started during an acute attack, based on "consensus opinion of experts, case studies, or standard of care."

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine whether initiating allopurinol will adversely affect the resolution of acute, treated gout.

Musculoskeletal ultrasound training and competency assessment program for rheumatology fellows.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to establish standards for musculoskeletal ultrasound competency through knowledge and skills testing using criterion-referenced methods.

Methods: Two groups of rheumatology fellows trained in musculoskeletal ultrasound through a standardized curriculum, which required submission of ultrasound studies for review over 8 months. Both groups then completed written and practical examinations in musculoskeletal ultrasound.

Utility of musculoskeletal ultrasound in a Department of Defense rheumatology practice: a four-year retrospective experience.

Objective: To analyze the utility of musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) in a rheumatology department and characterize relevant clinical trends.

Methods: Electronic medical records of all patients (n = 503) requiring MSUS in our department from January 2007 to December 2011 were reviewed. Rheumatologists performed MSUS using MyLab 25 or MyLab 70 systems.

Musculoskeletal ultrasound objective structured clinical examination: an assessment of the test.

Objective: To determine the reliability and validity of an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) for musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS).

Methods: A 9-station OSCE was administered to 35 rheumatology fellows trained in MSUS and to 3 expert faculty (controls). Participants were unaware of joint health (5 diseased/4 healthy).

Non-popliteal synovial rupture.

The ruptured popliteal synovial cyst is a common complication of chronic knee arthritis. In contrast, non-popliteal synovial rupture is less well recognized and may present a diagnostic dilemma. We report an 81-year-old woman who presented with chest wall pain and ecchymosis.