To examine the impact of subclinical synovitis identified by ultrasonography (US) on the ankles and feet of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
The detection of synovitis in rheumatoid arthritis patients
can help to explain the progression of bone destruction in patients considered
"stable" and assist in the evaluation of subclinical disease activity
and therapeutic decision making. In this study, the functional status of the
patient and QoL was significantly affected by ultrasonography-detected subclinical
foot and ankle synovitis.
To examine the impact of subclinical synovitis identified by
ultrasonography (US) on the ankles and feet of patients with rheumatoid
arthritis (RA).
The authors
retrospectively reviewed the data of 59 patients who underwent US.
The functional
ability and quality of life (QoL) of patients in the subclinical group were
impaired. While the physician visual analog scale (VAS) scores significantly
reduced in the subclinical group, patient and pain VAS scores reduced
considerably only in patients without synovitis.
US-detected subclinical foot and ankle synovitis
considerably affected patient's functional status and QoL; although, it was often
unnoticed by physicians.
Int J Rheum Dis.
Impact of subclinical synovitis in ankles and feet detected by ultrasonography in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Inamo J et al.
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