Deforming arthritis in systemic lupus erythematosus

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Systemic Autoimmune Diseases

Background:

• Jaccoud's deformities are a rare, reversible, non-erosive arthropathy associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
• Fixed flexion contractures of the elbows can also occur in SLE patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the characteristics of patients with Jaccoud's deformities within the McGill Lupus Registry.
• To explore the relationship between Jaccoud's deformities, elbow contractures, and disease duration in SLE.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 45 patients in the McGill Lupus Registry.
• Identification of patients with Jaccoud's deformities and/or elbow contractures.
• Comparison of clinical and demographic features, including disease and arthritis duration.

Main Results:

• Six out of 45 patients had Jaccoud's deformities.
• Five patients (one with Jaccoud's deformities, four without) had fixed elbow flexion contractures.
• Patients with Jaccoud's deformities had significantly longer disease and arthritis duration compared to other SLE patients.

Conclusions:

• Jaccoud's deformities are likely a consequence of chronic arthritis in systemic lupus erythematosus.
• Elbow flexion contractures in SLE patients may arise from a different pathophysiological process than Jaccoud's deformities.