Musculoskeletal involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Immunology
• Radiology

Background:

• Musculoskeletal system involvement is a hallmark of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
• Joint involvement in SLE typically lacks major erosive changes.
• Discordance between clinical findings and articular symptoms is common in SLE patients, excluding fibromyalgia.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the extent of musculoskeletal system involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
• To explore the utility of advanced musculoskeletal imaging in understanding SLE-related joint and soft tissue manifestations.
• To evaluate the potential role of tendon involvement in SLE and its implications for diagnostic criteria.

Main Methods:

• Utilized recent advancements in musculoskeletal imaging, specifically MRI.
• Focused on demonstrating bony and soft tissue involvement in SLE patients.
• Assessed tendon involvement, including tendonitis and tenosynovitis, in the context of SLE.

Main Results:

• Musculoskeletal imaging clearly demonstrates significant bony and soft tissue involvement in SLE.
• MRI findings reveal the presence of tendon involvement in SLE.
• These findings may explain the discrepancy between clinical signs and articular symptoms in SLE.

Conclusions:

• Musculoskeletal imaging provides crucial insights into SLE manifestations beyond typical joint involvement.
• Tendon involvement, including tendonitis and tenosynovitis, is evident in SLE and may be a significant factor.
• Consideration of tendonitis and tenosynovitis in diagnostic criteria for SLE is warranted based on imaging evidence.