An open study of the anti-TNF alpha agent pentoxifylline in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Objective: Monoclonal antibodies to TNF alpha have a rapid therapeutic effect in rheumatoid arthritis. Pentoxifylline is an anti-TNF alpha agent that is easier to handle than antibodies.

Methods: An open prospective trial was conducted in 21 patients with active rheumatoid arthritis.

Shrinking lung syndrome in systemic lupus erythematosus. A report of three cases.

Shrinking lung syndrome of systemic lupus erythematosus is characterized by dyspnea, diaphragmatic elevation with decreased mobility, and a restrictive defect. We report three cases in females with systemic lupus erythematosus aged 25, 29, and 42 years. Dyspnea and chest pain were present in all three patients.

[Longitudinal stress fractures of the tibia. Apropos of 3 cases].

Longitudinal stress fractures of the tibia are rare: only 16 cases have been published. We report three cases, in two men aged 54 and 70 years and in one women aged 73. The patients had pain when bearing weight on the affected limb.

[Tuberculous septic polyarthritis caused by Mycobacterium bovis].

Infections due to Mycobacterium bovis have become uncommon. We report a case with polyarthritis and cutaneous nodules suggesting a rheumatic disease. This 61 year old male under corticosteroid therapy for asthma developed febrile arthritis of the right wrist and cutaneous nodules that resolved rapidly under treatment with penicillin M and an aminoglycoside.