Psoriatic Arthritis Mutilans: Clinical and Radiographic Criteria. A Systematic Review

Amir Haddad1, Sindhu R Johnson1, Mansour Somaily1

  • 1From the University of Toronto Psoriatic Arthritis Clinic, and Division of Rheumatology, Toronto Western Hospital; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, and Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto; University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.A. Haddad, MD, University of Toronto Psoriatic Arthritis Clinic, Toronto Western Hospital; S.R. Johnson, MD, PhD, Division of Rheumatology, Toronto Western Hospital, and Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, and Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto; M. Somaily, MD, University of Toronto Psoriatic Arthritis Clinic, Toronto Western Hospital; R. Fazelzad, BSc, MISt, University Health Network; A.T. Kron, BSc (Honors); C. Chau, BMath, CIM, Division of Rheumatology, Toronto Western Hospital; V. Chandran, MBBS, MD, DM, PhD, University of Toronto Psoriatic Arthritis Clinic, and Division of Rheumatology, Toronto Western Hospital, and Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto.

Abstract

Insights

Psoriatic arthritis mutilans (PAM) lacks classification criteria. This review synthesized clinical and radiographic features from 58 studies, identifying key manifestations like digital telescoping and bone resorption to aid future diagnostic criteria development.

Area of Science:

  • Rheumatology and Immunology
  • Clinical Diagnostics
  • Medical Classification Systems

Background:

  • Psoriatic arthritis mutilans (PAM) is the most severe form of psoriatic arthritis.
  • Lack of accepted classification criteria hinders research and clinical management of PAM.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review and synthesize clinical and radiographic features associated with PAM definitions.
  • To identify key elements for developing future classification criteria for PAM.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic literature search of human studies without language restriction.
  • Independent screening and data abstraction from 58 articles.
  • Collection of clinical and radiographic items, demographics, disease characteristics, and outcomes for PAM patients.

Main Results:

  • Identified 8 definitions of PAM used in 283 subjects.
  • Prevalent disease manifestations included dactylitis (29-64%) and nail lesions (47%).
  • Key clinical features were digital telescoping (34%) and digital shortening (33%); radiographic findings included bone resorption (41%) and ankylosis (21%).

Conclusions:

  • Eight definitions of PAM were identified, and associated clinical and radiographic items were synthesized.
  • This synthesis provides a foundation for developing standardized classification criteria for PAM.
  • Further research can build upon these identified features for improved PAM diagnosis and patient care.