Erosive arthropathy in systemic sclerosis

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Radiology
• Systemic Autoimmune Diseases

Background:

• Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a complex autoimmune disease characterized by fibrosis, vasculopathy, and immune dysregulation.
• Polyarthritis is a common manifestation in SSc, potentially leading to significant joint damage.
• Radiological assessment is crucial for understanding the extent and nature of arthropathy in SSc.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and characterize the radiological features of arthropathy in patients diagnosed with systemic sclerosis and polyarthritis.
• To investigate the prevalence of specific radiological abnormalities, such as joint space narrowing and erosions.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of radiological findings in a cohort of systemic sclerosis patients presenting with polyarthritis.
• Data collection included patient demographics, disease duration, and specific radiological abnormalities observed in hands and feet.
• Statistical analysis was performed to compare the prevalence of abnormalities and correlate findings with clinical and serological markers.

Main Results:

• Eighty percent of the 46 participants (41 women, 5 men) exhibited radiological abnormalities.
• Joint space narrowing was present in 37% and erosions in 43% of patients.
• Radiological abnormalities were significantly more prevalent in the hands (79%) compared to the feet (26%) (p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

• A high frequency of erosive arthropathy was observed in Moroccan SSc patients presenting with clinical synovitis.
• The study highlights the significant radiological burden of arthropathy in SSc, particularly affecting the hands.
• No significant differences in clinical or serological factors were found between patients with and without erosive arthropathy.