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The authors determined that analysis of synovial fluid taken from an arthritic knee joint could be used to predict whether or not there would be continued degradation of the joint. They found that a high measure of cross linked carboxyterminal telopeptide in the synovial fuid was a good predictor of further breakdown of the joint.

Ultrasound examination can reliably identify inflammatory changes in arthritic shoulder joints. Researchers compared preoperative ultrasonographic findings and arthritic changes evident at surgery in 20 shoulders of 20 patients. Ultrasound identified overgrowth and fluid accumulation in bursae and synovial membranes, rotator cuff tears, and biceps tendon ruptures that were then confirmed at surgery. Ultrasound is less effective in advanced rheumatoid arthritis, when mobility of the joint is limited and ultrasound cannot visualize all relevant joint structures.

Abstract Objective--To assess the relation between type I collagen degradation and the duration of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods--The serum concentrations of cross linked carboxyterminal telopeptide of type I collagen (ICTP) [...]

Abstract Objective--To determine whether there are genetic differences between female and male patients with familial rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods--45 men and 119 women from 78 families with RA who all [...]

Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic, progressive disease involving the joints in the vertebrae and pelvis, and is associated with sclerosis (thickening) of the joint, as well as changes in the joint that are characteristic of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Symptoms of RA include inflammation, stiffness, swelling, overgrowth of cartilage tissue, and pain. The terms to be used to describe the lesions developing on the vertebrae in ankylosing spondylitis have not been clearly established. The term spinal pseudarthrosis refers to a destructive vertebral lesion in the upper and middle portion of the back, which leads to extensive bone deterioration. Spondylodiscitis refers to the eburnation of the disc and end-plate portions of the vertebrae, in which the bone becomes progressively more dense and hard. Spondylodiscitis develops in the early inflammatory phase of ankylosing spondylitis. Ankylosing spondylitis is also associated with upper lobe fibrobullous disease, which is characterized by the formation of fibrous, blister-like lesions in the upper portions of the lung. This complication of ankylosing spondylitis resembles tuberculosis, an infectious disease. A case is described of a 51-year-old man with a 20-year history of ankylosing spondylitis and a hunch-back appearance. His condition was complicated by upper lobe fibrobullous disease and spinal pseudarthrosis. The patient did not have nerve-related complications and was treated with conservative measures. Both complications resemble tuberculosis and occur in patients with prolonged ankylosing spondylitis. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)