An MRI assessment of chronic synovial-based inflammation in gout and its correlation with serum urate levels.

It is unclear when the synovial-based inflammatory process of gout begins. The aim of this study was to determine the percentage of patients with inter-critical gout who have chronic synovial-based inflammation as evidenced by synovial pannus on a contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of their most involved joint and determine if the presence and/or severity correlates with their serum urate levels. All patients received a 3 T MRI of their index joint, serum urate level, CRP, and creatinine.

Virtual rheumatology: using simulators and a formal workshop to teach medical students, internal medicine residents, and rheumatology subspecialty residents arthrocentesis.

Background: Arthrocentesis is an important skill for medical practitioners at all levels of training. Previous studies have indicated a low comfort level and performance of arthrocentesis among primary care physicians that could be improved with hands-on training.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to improve comfort with knee and shoulder arthrocentesis at all levels of medical training, including medical students, internal medicine residents, and rheumatology subspecialty residents, and in arthrocentesis of the elbow, wrist, and ankle for advanced subspecialty residents in rheumatology through the use of a formal workshop using simulators.

An analysis of MRI and ultrasound imaging in patients with gout who have normal plain radiographs.

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyse the prevalence of occult destructive arthropathy in subjects with gout and normal plain radiographs by utilizing MRI and ultrasound (US).

Methods: The study consisted of two visits. At Visit 1, a plain radiograph of the 'index joint' was obtained.

Chlamydiae as etiologic agents in chronic undifferentiated spondylarthritis.

Objective: The majority of patients with Chlamydia-induced reactive arthritis do not present with the classic triad of arthritis, conjunctivitis/iritis, and urethritis. Moreover, acute chlamydial infections are often asymptomatic. The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence of synovial Chlamydia trachomatis and Chlamydia pneumoniae infections in patients with chronic undifferentiated spondylarthritis (uSpA).

A safety assessment of tumor necrosis factor antagonists during pregnancy: a review of the Food and Drug Administration database.

Objective: To present any congenital anomalies with respect to tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antagonists reported to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to determine if there are common findings.

Methods: A review of the FDA database of reported adverse events with etanercept, infliximab, and adalimumab from 1999 through December of 2005 was performed. Key words for congenital anomalies were employed as search tools.

Determining rheumatologists' accuracy at assessing functional disability in rheumatoid arthritis patients using the Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index.

Objective: To test rheumatologists' accuracy in determining functional disability of their patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods: We used the Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index (HAQ-DI) as our guide at assessing functional disability in patients with RA. Included were male and female patients, 18 to 65 years of age, diagnosed with RA.