Related Experiment Videos
Radiologic review: the cervical spine in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
G Espada1, J C Babini, J A Maldonado-Cocco
1Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitacíon, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism
|February 1, 1988
Summary
Zygapophyseal joint fusion is a key sign of cervical spine issues in Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA). This finding, along with other changes, impacts cervical spine growth, especially in early-onset cases.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Orthopedics
- Pediatric Radiology
Background:
- Cervical spine involvement is a significant concern in Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA).
- Understanding the characteristic radiographic findings is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize the roentgenographic findings of cervical spine involvement in JRA patients.
- To correlate these findings with disease subsets, neurological manifestations, and growth disturbances.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of radiographic findings in JRA patients with cervical spine involvement.
- Evaluation of zygapophyseal joint fusion, atlanto-dens interval, enthesopathic changes, ligament calcification, and growth disturbances.
Main Results:
- Zygapophyseal joint fusion was the most common finding, not linked to specific patient subsets.
- Atlanto-dens interval > 4.5 mm occurred in 20% but did not predict neurologic issues.
- Severe disease correlated with longitudinal ligament calcification.
- Growth disturbances were more frequent with zygapophyseal joint fusion and earlier disease onset.
Conclusions:
- Zygapophyseal joint fusion is a hallmark of cervical spine involvement in JRA.
- Radiographic findings like zygapophyseal joint fusion and early onset are associated with cervical spine growth disturbances.