Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 4, 2026
06:31
Erosion Identification in Metacarpophalangeal Joints in Rheumatoid Arthritis using High-Resolution Peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography
Published on: October 6, 2023
Rheumatic findings in Gulf War veterans
E P Grady1, M T Carpenter, C D Koenig
1Rheumatology Service, Wilford Hall Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas, USA.
Archives of Internal Medicine
|March 6, 1998
Summary
Gulf War veterans frequently experienced rheumatologic issues, with soft tissue syndromes being most common. Serologic testing results did not reliably predict rheumatic disease in these veterans.
Area of Science:
- Military Medicine
- Rheumatology
- Veterans Health
Background:
- Rheumatic symptoms are historically documented in soldiers from prior conflicts.
- Gulf War veterans exhibit a range of rheumatic complaints.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of rheumatology consultations among Gulf War veterans evaluated for Gulf War syndrome.
- To identify common rheumatologic diagnoses and serologic testing abnormalities in this population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of medical records for 250 Gulf War veterans.
- Analysis of demographic characteristics, subspecialty referrals, rheumatic diagnoses, and serologic test results.
Main Results:
- 56% of veterans received rheumatology consultations, the most common referral.
- Soft tissue syndromes (59%) were more prevalent than diagnosed rheumatic diseases (14%).
- Common diagnoses included patellofemoral syndrome, low back pain, and fibromyalgia; osteoarthritis was the most frequent rheumatic disease.
Conclusions:
- Rheumatic manifestations in Gulf War veterans mirror those seen in previous wars.
- Serologic screening results were not effective predictors of rheumatic disease in this cohort.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis
Endocarditis can present various clinical features depending on the causative organism and the patient's underlying health conditions. Initially, the clinical features of infective endocarditis develop gradually, presenting with nonspecific symptoms that can be easily mistaken for other illnesses.General SymptomsEarly symptoms of infective endocarditis are fever, chills, weakness, malaise, fatigue, and weight loss. These symptoms reflect the systemic nature of the infection and the body's...
01:19Pericarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Pericarditis is distinguished by inflammation of the pericardium, the fibrous sac that encases the heart. It can be acute, lasting less than six weeks, or chronic, persisting for over three months. Understanding its clinical manifestations and diagnostic findings is crucial for timely and effective management.Clinical ManifestationsWhile pericarditis can be asymptomatic, it usually presents with characteristic symptoms such as:Chest Pain: The most characteristic symptom of pericarditis is chest...
01:23Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction
Rheumatic heart disease or RHD is a chronic condition that results from rheumatic fever, causing permanent damage to the heart valves.Etiology and Risk FactorsIt primarily arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease that can develop after untreated or inadequately treated group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis. Streptococcus spreads through direct contact with oral or respiratory secretions. While the bacteria are the causative agents, factors like malnutrition, overcrowding, poor...
01:22Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
The key clinical manifestations of Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) include several distinct cardiac symptoms.Carditis, a hallmark of acute rheumatic fever, involves inflammation of the heart's endocardium, myocardium, and pericardium. Chronic RHD often results from recurrent episodes of carditis. Its symptoms include the following:Murmurs are caused by valvular damage, especially to the mitral and aortic valves. Mitral stenosis or regurgitation is common, with characteristic heart murmurs...
01:21Rheumatic Heart Disease III: Medical Management
Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) management can be divided into two main strategies: prevention and long-term management.Primary PreventionPrimary prevention focuses on timely diagnosis and management of group A streptococcal pharyngitis to prevent acute rheumatic fever. The most widely used antibiotic for treating this condition is intramuscular benzathine penicillin G.Acute Rheumatic Fever TreatmentThe primary treatment goal for a patient diagnosed with acute rheumatic fever is to suppress the...
01:20Rheumatic Heart Disease IV: Nursing Management
AssessmentA comprehensive assessment is essential in managing a patient with rheumatic heart disease (RHD). Begin with obtaining a detailed medical history, including recent streptococcal infections, a history of rheumatic fever, or previously diagnosed rheumatic heart disease. Assess the patient for symptoms such as fever, chest pain, widespread joint pain (arthralgia), tachycardia, pericardial friction rub, muffled heart sounds, heart murmurs, peripheral edema, subcutaneous nodules, and...