Mutilating/resorptive arthritis. A study of 24 patients in a series of 360 patients with psoriatic arthritis.

Objective: To describe a large series of patients with mutilans/resorptive arthritis (AM) of a representative population of patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and analyze the associated variables.

Methods: Multicenter cross-sectional study of consecutive patients affected by PsA in 8 centers. In patients with swelling or deformity of the hands or feet we performed an anteroposterior rx. The patient was affected by AM if erosive disorder affecting both articular surfaces completely was present.

Results: Of the 360 patients studied, 24 had PsA and AM (6.7%). The duration of their disease was significantly higher, and they exhibited a worse functional capacity as well as more DIP joint affection (P<.05). 30% had radiological changes indistinguishable from nodular osteoarthritis.

Conclusions: AM in PA is associated with a worse functional capacity. Its possible association with nodular hand osteoarthritis deserves further study.