Optimizing Reliability of Real-Time Sonographic Examination and Scoring of Joint Synovitis in Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Objective: Musculoskeletal ultrasound real-time image acquisition and scoring are complex, and many factors affect reliability. Static image reliability does not guarantee real-time scoring. This study aimed to identify factors and solutions to improve real-time scoring reliability for the grey scale and power Doppler evaluation of synovitis.

Rituximab Used for the Treatment of Nonuremic Calciphylaxis: A Complication of Prolonged Steroid Use in Lupus Nephritis.

Nonuremic calciphylaxis (NUC) is a rare and debilitating form of panniculitis. NUC is associated with a high mortality rate within the first year of diagnosis. Connective tissue diseases account for a small fraction of the reported cases.

Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Diagnosis of Symptomatic Hoffa's Fat Pad Ganglion Cyst Successfully Managed Nonoperatively: A Case Report.

Ganglion cysts (GCs) can arise from a variety of different areas, but those arising from Hoffa's fat pad in the knee are relatively rare. A number of different types of cysts are also found in the knee, including meniscus cysts, proximal tibiofibular cysts, and cruciate ligament ganglion cysts. In this case report, a 54-year-old female presented with left knee pain and swelling for eight weeks.

Diagnostic accuracy of salivary gland ultrasound in Sjögren's syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: To systematically review the diagnostic accuracy of salivary gland ultrasound in primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS).

Methods: PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Central and Scopus and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched to identify diagnostic or validation studies in patients with pSS meeting the diagnostic criteria.

Effectiveness of healthcare educational and behavioral interventions to improve gout outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: We aimed to systematically review the effectiveness of healthcare behavioral and education interventions for gout patients on clinical outcomes.

Methods: We searched multiple databases to identify trials or observational studies of educational or behavioral interventions in gout. Risk of bias was assessed with the Cochrane tool for randomized control trials (RCTs) and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for observational studies.

Sonographic Characteristics of Extensor Tendon Abnormalities and Relationship With Joint Disease Activity in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Pilot Study.

Objectives: To characterize abnormalities in the dorsal extensor tendons of the hand and determine the importance of these findings in rheumatoid arthritis.

Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was done on 26 patients with rheumatoid arthritis who had sonography of their hands. B-mode and power Doppler joint activity were scored, and the extensor tendons were examined for B-mode changes and power Doppler signals.

Role of vitamin D in the onset, progression, and severity of multiple sclerosis.

Objective: To review and assess the role of vitamin D in the onset, progression, and relapse of multiple sclerosis (MS), based on evidence acquired from the analysis of preclinical, observational, and interventional studies.

Methods: All English language literature in MEDLINE (January 1969 through April 2012) was searched for observational and interventional studies on the dosage effect of vitamin D on the onset, progression, and relapse rate of MS. The medical subject heading (MeSH) terms used in the search included Vitamin D and Multiple Sclerosis.