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Sternoclavicular erosions in polymyalgia rheumatica
Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
|August 1, 1983
Summary
Sternoclavicular joint erosions are common in polymyalgia rheumatica, especially in patients with symptoms lasting over six months. This study used tomography to identify these erosions in a cohort of patients.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Orthopedics
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is an inflammatory condition primarily affecting the shoulders and hips.
- Sternoclavicular joint involvement in PMR is not well-characterized.
- Understanding joint involvement aids in diagnosis and management of PMR.
Observation:
- Sternoclavicular tomography was performed on 25 consecutive patients diagnosed with polymyalgia rheumatica.
- The study aimed to determine the incidence of erosive arthropathy in these specific joints.
- Patient symptom duration was recorded as a potential correlating factor.
Findings:
- Definite erosions of the sternoclavicular joints were identified in 11 out of 25 patients (44%).
- Erosions were significantly more prevalent in patients with symptoms present for longer than six months.
- Tomography proved effective in visualizing subtle erosive changes.
Implications:
- Sternoclavicular joint erosions may be an under-recognized feature of polymyalgia rheumatica.
- Imaging of these joints could potentially aid in the diagnosis of PMR, particularly in challenging cases.
- Further research is warranted to explore the clinical significance and progression of sternoclavicular arthropathy in PMR.
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