Nailfold capillaroscopy in leprosy.

Due to mounting evidences of interaction between Hansen's bacilli with endothelial cells and the paucity of studies addressing the presence of nailfold capillaroscopic alterations in patients with Hansen's disease, a study was carried out in order to verify the presence of capillaroscopic alterations in patients with leprosy in its various forms and its correlation with clinical parameters. Ten patients were evaluated at a specialized university service. Sixty percent of those had some capillaroscopic change, such as micro-hemorrhages, ectatic, bushy and corkscrew capillaries.

c-ANCA associated vasculitis in patients with ulcerative colitis: case report.

The pulmonary manifestations of ulcerative colitis (UC) are rare and include inflammation of small and large airways, parenchymal disease and serositis among others. A substantial proportion of patients with inflammatory bowel disease, particularly those with ulcerative colitis presents positive ANCA, most p-ANCA pattern. We present a case of patient with ulcerative colitis, with positive c-ANCA, which progressed to hemoptysis associated with radiological findings consistent with pulmonary vasculitis.

Autoantibodies coexistence in systemic sclerosis: how to interpret it?

Autoantibodies possibly influence clinical manifestations of systemic sclerosis (SSc). This clinical-serological correlation, associated with the paucity of autoantibodies concomitance, gave rise to the historical paradigm of autoantibodies mutual exclusivity. However, one can question this assumption.

Use of infliximab in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis and chronic hepatitis B.

Anti-TNF-α agents have emerged as a potent treatment for patients with rheumatoid arthritis unresponsive to conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. Increased susceptibility to infections induced by these drugs is the main complication of their use. Reactivation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is one of the most worrisome side effects in patients with HBV infection receiving anti-TNF-α.