Ultrasound (US) is a cost-effective, noninvasive, accessible imaging modality that clinicians use at the point of care to assess disease activity and therapeutic efficacy in different rheumatic conditions. However, its utility has been prevalently demonstrated in the field of chronic arthritides. Only in the last few years there was an interest to explore the potential of US beyond the musculoskeletal area. In this way, preliminary US data about the assessment of the different targets involved in systemic sclerosis such as joints, tendons, skin, vessels, and lung have been provided. The main purpose of this US review is to provide an overview of the potential role of US in the multi-target assessment of SSc and to discuss the current evidence supporting its relevance and applications in daily clinical practice.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10067-014-2518-1 | DOI Listing |
J Scleroderma Relat Disord
January 2025
Division of Rheumatology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
Autonomic dysfunction is a common and early complication among patients with systemic sclerosis, suggesting that it may play a role in the pathogenesis of the disease and be a potential target for therapeutic interventions. Although the true prevalence of autonomic dysfunction among patients with systemic sclerosis is still unclear, it is estimated that as many as 80% of patients may be affected. Autonomic dysfunction may lead to widespread multi-organ dysfunction through its effects on the cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract, sweat and salivary glands, and pupils.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFClin Rheumatol
January 2025
Department of Rheumatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, No.12 Wulumuqi Zhong Road, Shanghai, 200040, China.
To evaluate the association of anti-IFI16 antibodies with peripheral vasculopathy and the predictive value of anti-IFI16 antibodies for the development or persistence of digital ulcers (DPDU) in SSc. A total of 42 SSc patients and 42 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were enrolled. Anti-IFI16 antibodies were examined by ELISA.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFSci Rep
January 2025
Department of Dermatology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-39-22, Showa, Maebashi, Gunma, 371-8511, Japan.
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an idiopathic systemic connective tissue disorder characterized by fibrosis of the skin and internal organs, with growing interest in the imbalance between Th17 cells and regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the disease's pathogenesis. Heligmosomoides polygyrus (Hp), a natural intestinal parasite of mice, is known to induce Tregs in the host. We aimed to investigate the effects of Hp-induced Tregs on bleomycin-induced dermal fibrosis and clarify the role of the Th17/Treg balance in SSc fibrosis.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFRheumatology (Oxford)
January 2025
Department of Dermatology, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
Clin Rheumatol
January 2025
Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Cardiopulmonary Department, Dokuz Eylül University, Izmir, Turkey.
Purpose: To investigate the validity and reliability of the Londrina ADL Protocol in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc).
Methods: The study included 39 individuals with SSc and 30 healthy participants aged 18-70 years. Performance-related ADL assessment was performed with the Londrina ADL Protocol which was performed twice by the same rater and energy expenditure during the test with the Dynaport Move Monitor device.
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