Search results for: physical function

Beyond Drugs: ACR/AF Guideline Update for Hand, Knee & Hip OA Emphasizes Exercise

Susan Bernstein | December 12, 2019

Guideline authors discussed therapeutic options for patients with hand, knee and hip OA in a session at the 2019 ACR/ARP Annual Meeting.

Figures 1 & 2: Transverse and longitudinal ultrasound views, respectively, of the left posterior knee, revealing a cystic mass with heterogeneous internal echotexture and no stalk.

Ultrasound Aids Diagnosis of Man with Knee Pain & Swelling

Mark H. Greenberg, MD, RMSK, RhMSUS, Prem Patel, Elijah Mitcham, MD, James W. Fant Jr., MD, & Frank R. Voss, MD | November 17, 2019

A 56-year-old automobile mechanic was referred to our rheumatology service by his orthopedist to evaluate left posterior knee pain and swelling that had been present for three months. The patient had undergone bilateral total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) for sports-related osteoarthritis three years before. In addition to the knee pain, the patient described several years of…

Case Report: Tumor Treatment Unleashes Autoimmunity

Shuwei Wang, MD, Gulam A. Manji, MD, PhD, & Anca D. Askanase, MD | November 17, 2019

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) targeting the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) or programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) axes have revolutionized therapy and improved survival in advanced cancers. However, these immune system modulators also lead to immune-related adverse events (IRAEs).1,2 In clinical trials, IRAEs mainly involved the gastrointestinal tract, skin, endocrine glands, liver and lung,…

A CT of the abdomen demonstrated numerous hypodense lesions present in both lobes of the liver, with the largest lesion measuring 2.0 x 3.1 cm.

Case Report: A Patient with Gout Develops Granulomatous Hepatitis

Raj Vachhani, MD, & Angelo L. Gaffo, MD, MSPH | November 16, 2019

Case Presentation A 45-year-old man with crystal-proven gout, poorly controlled diabetes and chronic kidney disease was lost to follow-up for six years and presented back to the VA clinic in the midst of a gout flare. He stated he had continued taking 100 mg of allopurinol daily, but his serum urate level was 13.8 mg/dL….

The 2019 ARP Awards of Distinction & ACR Masters

Carol Patton, with Keri Losavio | November 16, 2019

ATLANTA—At the 2019 ACR/ARP Annual Meeting in November, the ACR and the ARP honored a group of distinguished individuals who have made significant contributions to rheumatology research, education and patient care. This month, The Rheumatologist speaks with the winners of the ARP Merit Awards about their individual contributions to advancing rheumatology. You’ll also find a…

Move Along: Insights Into Gastrointestinal Involvement in Systemic Sclerosis

Jason Liebowitz, MD, FACR | October 21, 2019

For patients with gastrointestinal (GI) manifestations of scleroderma, the effect on quality of life & longevity can be dramatic. But advances are being made in the diagnosis & treatment of these patients…

Case Report: A Patient Develops Scleroderma Renal Crisis

Adria Madera-Acosta, MD, Teresa Sosenko, MD, & Diana Girnita, MD, PhD | October 18, 2019

Scleroderma renal crisis (SRC) is a life-threatening complication of systemic sclerosis. SRC occurs in 2–15% of patients with diffuse sclerosis and usually within the first five years from the time of diagnosis. Risk factors for SRC include, but are not limited to, early diagnosis, corticosteroid or cyclosporine use, and the presence of anti-RNA polymerase III…

Case Report: Cardiac Tamponade in a Rheumatoid Arthritis Patient

Sirajum Munira, MD, Mamta Sherchan, MD, & Christopher Collins, MD, FACR | October 18, 2019

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic autoimmune inflammatory disease. Although RA develops its central pathology within the synovium of diarthrodial joints, many non-articular organs can be involved, particularly in patients with severe joint disease.1 Although most patients are asymptomatic, cardiac involvement is relatively common and includes rheumatic heart nodules, pericarditis (30–50%), pericardial effusion and…

National Survey Highlights Rheumatology Patient Concerns, Challenges

Susan Bernstein | September 20, 2019

In a national survey of more than 1,500 Americans with rheumatic disease, more than half reported struggling to access affordable care and nearly two-thirds described challenges performing simple daily tasks.

Case Report: Does a Rapid-Onset Neck Mass Have Rheumatic Origins?

Tej Bhavsar, MD, & Nancy Joste, MD | September 17, 2019

A 54-year-old African American man arrived at the emergency department with the acute onset of a tender mass on the left side of his neck. It had been getting progressively larger for the preceding two days. History & Examination His history included chronic right hip osteoarthritis with two surgeries performed five years prior. At his…