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Noguchi A, Kurita T, Matsuzawa K. Clinical features of atlantoaxial involvement in patients with rheumatoid arthritis using 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography with computed tomography. Clin Rheumatol 2023:10.1007/s10067-023-06586-9. [PMID: 37000282 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-023-06586-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVES Cervical spine involvement is one of the most serious complications in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The study aim was to assess the clinical significance of atlantoaxial (AA) joint involvement detected by 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-positron emission tomography (PET) with computed tomography (CT) in patients with RA. METHOD A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate AA joint involvement detected by FDG-PET/CT in consecutive RA patients from December 2017 to February 2022. We investigated the relationship between AA joint involvement and clinical data, including disease activity and patients' cervical symptoms. RESULTS Among 48 patients enrolled, abnormal FDG uptake at AA joint was detected in 13 (27%). Rheumatoid factor titre, initial disease activity score 28-erythrocyte sedimentation rate and total standardized uptake value were significantly higher in the 13 patients than in the others (P = 0.004, P < 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively). All patients with abnormal FDG uptake at AA joint had some cervical symptoms regardless of cervical spine X-ray abnormalities. Neck pain on movement and at rest were more frequent in the 13 patients than in the others (P = 0.001 and P = 0.004, respectively). The most sensitive symptom associated with AA joint involvement was neck pain on movement (sensitivity, 69%), and the most specific symptom was neck pain at rest (specificity, 100%). CONCLUSIONS AA joint involvement was commonly observed by FDG-PET/CT in patients with active RA, independent of radiographic findings. Specific cervical symptoms can be important surrogate markers for detection of potential AA synovitis associated with active RA. Key Points • AA joint involvement was frequently seen in RA with high disease activity independent of radiographic findings. • Neck pain was a hallmark of AA joint involvement reflecting disease activity, and resting pain was highly specific.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Noguchi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Japanese Red Cross Kitami Hospital, N6E2, Kitami, Hokkaido, 090-8666, Japan.
| | - Takashi Kurita
- Department of Internal Medicine, Japanese Red Cross Kitami Hospital, N6E2, Kitami, Hokkaido, 090-8666, Japan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo Medical and Dental University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Katsura Matsuzawa
- Department of Radiology, Japanese Red Cross Kitami Hospital, Kitami, Japan
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Siempis T, Tsakiris C, Anastasia Z, Alexiou GA, Voulgaris S, Argyropoulou MI. Radiological assessment and surgical management of cervical spine involvement in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatol Int 2023; 43:195-208. [PMID: 36378323 PMCID: PMC9898347 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-022-05239-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of the present systematic review was to describe the diagnostic evaluation of rheumatoid arthritis in the cervical spine to provide a better understanding of the indications and options of surgical intervention. We performed a literature review of Pub-med, Embase, and Scopus database. Upon implementing specific inclusion and exclusion criteria, all eligible articles were identified. A total of 1878 patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) were evaluated for cervical spine involvement with plain radiographs. Atlantoaxial subluxation (AAS) ranged from 16.4 to 95.7% in plain radiographs while sub-axial subluxation ranged from 10 to 43.6% of cases. Anterior atlantodental interval (AADI) was found to between 2.5 mm and 4.61 mm in neutral and flexion position respectively, while Posterior Atlantodental Interval (PADI) was between 20.4 and 24.92 mm. 660 patients with RA had undergone an MRI. A pannus diagnosis ranged from 13.33 to 85.36% while spinal cord compression was reported in 0-13% of cases. When it comes to surgical outcomes, Atlanto-axial joint (AAJ) fusion success rates ranged from 45.16 to 100% of cases. Furthermore, the incidence of postoperative subluxation ranged from 0 to 77.7%. With regards to AADI it is evident that its value decreased in all studies. Furthermore, an improvement in Ranawat classification was variable between studies with a report improvement frequency by at least one class ranging from 0 to 54.5%. In conclusion, through careful radiographic and clinical evaluation, cervical spine involvement in patients with RA can be detected. Surgery is a valuable option for these patients and can lead to improvement in their symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timoleon Siempis
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical School, University of Ioannina, School of Medicine, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Charalampos Tsakiris
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical School, University of Ioannina, School of Medicine, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Zikou Anastasia
- Department of Radiology, Medical School, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - George A Alexiou
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical School, University of Ioannina, School of Medicine, Ioannina, Greece.
| | - Spyridon Voulgaris
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical School, University of Ioannina, School of Medicine, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Maria I Argyropoulou
- Department of Radiology, Medical School, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
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Zoli A, Leone F, Zoli A, Visocchi M. Rheumatoid Diseases Involving the Cervical Spine I. History, Definition, and Diagnosis: New Trends and Technologies. ACTA NEUROCHIRURGICA. SUPPLEMENT 2023; 135:197-202. [PMID: 38153469 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-36084-8_30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
The cervical spine might be involved in several conditions: congenital, traumatic, and chronic inflammatory and or degenerative rheumatic disorders. Among the inflammatory rheumatic conditions that can affect the cervical spine, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common, affecting up to 86% of patients and leading to cervical spine instability and subsequent myelopathy. Other inflammatory diseases include juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and the spondyloarthritis group (SpA), including psoriatic arthritis. Since many patients do not show symptoms of cervical involvement, diagnosis is often delayed. Radiographs are the first line imaging modality used to detect such involvement, but MRI and CT are superior in terms of early diagnosis and surgical planning.In this review, we provide an overview of cervical involvement in RA, JIA, and SpA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Zoli
- UOC di Reumatologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.
| | - Flavia Leone
- UOC di Reumatologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Angelo Zoli
- UOC di Reumatologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
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Yuan J, Xiong X, Zhang B, Feng Q, Zhang J, Wang W, Tang J. Genetically predicted C-reactive protein mediates the association between rheumatoid arthritis and atlantoaxial subluxation. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1054206. [PMID: 36589832 PMCID: PMC9800511 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1054206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Investigating the causal relationship between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and atlantoaxial subluxation (AAS) and identifying and quantifying the role of C-reactive protein (CRP) as a potential mediator. METHODS Using summary-level data from a genome-wide association study (GWAS), a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis of genetically predicted rheumatoid arthritis (14,361 cases, and 43,923 controls) and AAS (141 cases, 227,388 controls) was performed. Furthermore, we used two-step MR to quantitate the proportion of the effect of c-reactive protein-mediated RA on AAS. RESULTS MR analysis identified higher genetically predicted rheumatoid arthritis (primary MR analysis odds ratio (OR) 0.61/SD increase, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.36-1.90) increased risk of AAS. There was no strong evidence that genetically predicted AAS had an effect on rheumatoid arthritis risk (OR 1.001, 95% CI 0.97-1.03). The proportion of genetically predicted rheumatoid arthritis mediated by C-reactive protein was 3.7% (95%CI 0.1%-7.3%). CONCLUSION In conclusion, our study identified a causal relationship between RA and AAS, with a small proportion of the effect mediated by CRP, but a majority of the effect of RA on AAS remains unclear. Further research is needed on additional risk factors as potential mediators. In clinical practice, lesions of the upper cervical spine in RA patients need to be given more attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqin Yuan
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second People’s Hospital of Yibin, Yibin, Sichuan, China
- Department of Orthopedics, Yibin Hospital, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Yibin, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaoqin Xiong
- Department of Pediatrics, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Bin Zhang
- Rheumatism Immunity Branch, Weifang People’s Hospital, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Qingyuan Feng
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jinglin Zhang
- Department of Occupational Disease, Yibin Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Yibin, Sichuan, China
| | - Wenting Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
- *Correspondence: Jia Tang, ; Wenting Wang,
| | - Jia Tang
- Department of Pediatrics, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
- *Correspondence: Jia Tang, ; Wenting Wang,
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Leclair NK, Knopf J, Baldwin M, Forouhar F, Onyiuke H. Rheumatoid pannus presenting as a large epidural mass in the subaxial cervical spine: A case report. Neurochirurgie 2021; 68:129-132. [PMID: 33667534 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuchi.2021.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a debilitating inflammatory condition characterised by joint damage that affects the cervical spine most commonly at the atlantoaxial joint resulting in neck pain and myelopathy. The pathogenesis of RA involves the formation of a hyperplastic synovial tissue, termed pannus, which invades the local bone and causes osseous erosion. Here, we describe a case of rapid onset quadriparesis due to spinal cord compression at C5-C6 secondary to vertebral subluxation and mass effect from a large inflammatory pannus in the subaxial spine. Surgical decompression and resection of the subaxial pannus were performed, and the patient regained strength in all extremities. Histopathologic evaluation of the resected tissue confirmed the diagnosis of pannus over other more common epidural masses. Pannus formation commonly occurs in the peri-odontoid region; however, its presentation as a large soft tissue mass in the subaxial spine is not described in the current literature. Therefore, pannus should be considered in the differential diagnosis of epidural masses in the spine of RA patients. We use this case to discuss the pathology and radiological findings relevant to rheumatoid pannus formation in the subaxial cervical spine, as well as emphasise the importance of treatment in the context to severe degenerative disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- N K Leclair
- University of Connecticut school of medicine, 06030 Farmington, CT, United States of America.
| | - J Knopf
- University of Connecticut school of medicine, 06030 Farmington, CT, United States of America
| | - M Baldwin
- Department of radiology, UConn Health, 06030 Farmington, CT, United States of America
| | - F Forouhar
- Department of pathology, UConn Health, 06030 Farmington, CT, United States of America
| | - H Onyiuke
- Department of neurological surgery, UConn Health, 06030 Farmington, CT, United States of America.
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Salaffi F, Carotti M, Di Carlo M, Sessa F, Malavolta N, Polonara G, Giovagnoni A. Craniocervical junction involvement in musculoskeletal diseases: an area of close collaboration between rheumatologists and radiologists. Radiol Med 2020; 125:654-667. [DOI: 10.1007/s11547-020-01156-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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7
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Messina C, Albano D, Orlandi D, Chianca V, Corazza A, Ferrari F, Gitto S, Sconfienza LM. Potential use of a diluted high-relaxivity gadolinium-based intra-articular contrast agent for magnetic resonance arthrography: an in-vitro study. BMC Med Imaging 2019; 19:83. [PMID: 31653206 PMCID: PMC6815038 DOI: 10.1186/s12880-019-0387-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA) requires intra-articular injection of gadolinium-based diluted paramagnetic contrast material. To our knowledge, gadobenate dimeglumine (Gd-BOPTA) has never been used for intra-articular applications. Our aim was to test in vitro different concentrations of Gd-BOPTA to be potentially used to perform MRA. Methods Gd-BOPTA was diluted in saline (NaCl 0.9%) to achieve different concentrations (4 mmol/l; 2 mmol/l; 1 mmol/l; 0.67 mmol/l; 0.5 mmol/l). Six sets of five sterile pipes were prepared with 5 ml of each solution, five sets added with 0.5 ml of fresh synovial fluid. Two separate pipes were prepared with 5 ml of gadopentetate dimeglumine (Gd-DTPA) at 2 mmol/l, one pipe added with 0.5 ml of synovial fluid. Pipes were imaged using a T1-weighted sequence at 1.5 T. For each pipe, signal intensity (SI) in arbitrary units (au) was measured. Results SI reproducibility range was 86–99%. Mean Gd-BOPTA SI in pipes containing synovial fluid increased from 1236 ± 8au (0.5 mmol/l) up to 1610 ± 44au (1 mmol/l) and down to 1405 ± 33au (4 mmol/l). Mean Gd-BOPTA SI in pipes without synovial fluid increased from 1184 ± 29au (0.5 mmol/l) up to 1530 ± 38au (1 mmol/l), and down to 1347 ± 39au (4 mmol/l). SI of pipes without synovial fluid was lower than that of pipes with synovial fluid for both Gd-BOPTA and Gd-DTPA (P ≤ 0.002). Regarding pipes with synovial fluid, mean Gd-DTPA SI at 2 mmol/l was 1246 ± 27au. Compared with Gd-BOPTA, SI was not different at 0.5 mmol/l (− 0.2%, P = 0.587) while it was higher (P < 0.001) at all other concentrations (range + 13.3%[4 mmol/l] − + 28.3%[1 mmol/l]). Regarding pipes without synovial fluid, mean Gd-DTPA SI at 2 mmol/l was 1275 ± 56au. Compared with Gd-BOPTA, SI was lower at 0.5 mmol/l (− 6.8%,P < 0.001), while it was higher (P < 0.001) at all other concentrations (range + 6.1%[4 mmol/l] − + 19.6% [1 mmol/l]). Conclusions In vitro, Gd-BOPTA at 1 mmol/ had a + 28% SI increase in comparison to Gd-DTPA 2 mmol/l. SI similar to Gd-DTPA can be obtained using one fourth concentration of Gd-BOPTA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmelo Messina
- IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Via R. Galeazzi 4, 20161, Milan, Italy.,Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Pascal 36, 20100, Milan, Italy
| | - Domenico Albano
- IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Via R. Galeazzi 4, 20161, Milan, Italy. .,Sezione di Scienze Radiologiche, Dipartimento di Biomedicina, Neuroscienze e Diagnostica Avanzata, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Via del Vespro 127, 90127, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Davide Orlandi
- Dipartimento di Radiologia, Ospedale Evangelico Internazionale, Piazzale Gianasso 1, 16129, Genoa, Italy
| | - Vito Chianca
- IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Via R. Galeazzi 4, 20161, Milan, Italy
| | - Angelo Corazza
- IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Via R. Galeazzi 4, 20161, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Ferrari
- Scuola di Specializzazione in Radiodiagnostica, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Festa del Perdono 7, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - Salvatore Gitto
- Scuola di Specializzazione in Radiodiagnostica, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Festa del Perdono 7, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Maria Sconfienza
- IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Via R. Galeazzi 4, 20161, Milan, Italy.,Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Pascal 36, 20100, Milan, Italy
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Magnetic resonance imaging of the craniovertebral junction in early rheumatoid arthritis. Skeletal Radiol 2019; 48:553-561. [PMID: 30206675 DOI: 10.1007/s00256-018-3055-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2018] [Revised: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 08/27/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the involvement of the atlantoaxial joint in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (ERA) and to elucidate the risk profile for the individual patient. MATERIALS AND METHODS Consecutive ERA patients (disease duration < 12 months) were included in our study. A cervical spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and X-rays (cervical spine, hands, wrists, and feet) were performed in all patients. The MRI features were correlated with clinical, radiological, and biochemical variables. RESULTS Fifty patients (13 men and 37 women) with a mean age of 58.2 years (range, 36-79 years) were included in the study. In 12 (24%) patients were detectable MRI findings suggestive of the craniovertebral junction involvement. Compared with patients without cervical involvement, the patients with atlantoaxial synovitis showed a significantly higher anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA) titer [mean 200.25 UI (SD 262.44) vs. mean 22.05 (SD 40.21) (p < 0.001)]; a worse Disease Activity Score 44 joints (DAS44) [mean 5.72 (SD 0.44) vs. mean 4.52 (SD 0.53) (p < 0.001)]; a worse Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI) [mean 1.55 (SD 0.37) vs. mean 1.09 (SD 0.33) (p < 0.001)], and a higher Simple Erosion Narrowing Score (SENS) [mean 15.83 (SD 4.52) vs. mean 7.71 (SD 3.43) (p < 0.001)]. The multivariate analysis revealed a meaningful relationship between atlantoaxial synovitis and ACPA, DAS44, and the presence of an erosive disease. CONCLUSIONS The craniovertebral junction is frequently involved in ERA patients. ACPA, high disease activity, and erosive disease at baseline are predictors of atlantoaxial involvement.
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Joaquim AF, Ghizoni E, Tedeschi H, Appenzeller S, Riew KD. Radiological evaluation of cervical spine involvement in rheumatoid arthritis. Neurosurg Focus 2015; 38:E4. [PMID: 25828498 DOI: 10.3171/2015.1.focus14664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Cervical spine involvement commonly occurs in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), especially those with inadequate treatment or severe disease forms. The most common site affected by RA is the atlantoaxial joint, potentially resulting in atlantoaxial instability, with cervical pain and neurological deficits. The second most common site of involvement is the subaxial cervical spine, often with subluxation, resulting in nerve root or spinal cord compression. In this paper, the authors review the most commonly used plain radiographic criteria to diagnose cervical instabilities seen with RA. Finally, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of cervical CT and MRI in the setting of cervical involvement in RA.
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Rheumatoid Arthritis and the Cervical Spine: A Review on the Role of Surgery. Int J Rheumatol 2015; 2015:252456. [PMID: 26351458 PMCID: PMC4553335 DOI: 10.1155/2015/252456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2015] [Accepted: 07/01/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic inflammatory disease affecting a significant percentage of the population. The cervical spine is often affected in this disease and can present in the form of atlantoaxial instability (AAI), cranial settling (CS), or subaxial subluxation (SAS). Patients may present with symptoms and disability secondary to these entities but may also be neurologically intact. Cervical spine involvement in RA can pose a challenge to the clinician and the appropriate role of surgical intervention is controversial. The aim of this paper is to describe the pathology, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, and diagnostic evaluation of rheumatoid arthritis in the cervical spine in order to provide a better understanding of the indications and options for surgery. Both the medical and surgical treatment options for RA have improved, so has the prognosis of the cervical spine disease. With the advent of disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), fewer patients are presenting with cervical spine manifestations of RA; however, those that do, now have improved surgical techniques available to them. We hope that, by reading this paper, the clinician is able to better evaluate patients with RA in the cervical spine and determine in which patients surgery is indicated.
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Joaquim AF, Appenzeller S. Cervical spine involvement in rheumatoid arthritis — A systematic review. Autoimmun Rev 2014; 13:1195-202. [PMID: 25151973 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2014.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2014] [Accepted: 07/13/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Grande MD, Grande FD, Carrino J, Bingham CO, Louie GH. Cervical spine involvement early in the course of rheumatoid arthritis. Semin Arthritis Rheum 2014; 43:738-44. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2013.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2013] [Revised: 12/05/2013] [Accepted: 12/06/2013] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
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13
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Aichmair A, Herzog RJ, Perino G, Lebl DR. Recovery after cervical decompression surgery for the treatment of crowned dens syndrome causing progressive neurological decline: a case report. HSS J 2014; 10:83-7. [PMID: 24482627 PMCID: PMC3903944 DOI: 10.1007/s11420-013-9364-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2013] [Accepted: 08/27/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Aichmair
- />Hospital for Special Surgery, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Spine and Scoliosis Service, 535 East 70th Street, New York, NY 10021 USA
| | - Richard J. Herzog
- />Hospital for Special Surgery, Department of Radiology and Imaging, 535 East 70th Street, New York, NY 10021 USA
| | - Giorgio Perino
- />Hospital for Special Surgery, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, 535 East 70th Street, New York, NY 10021 USA
| | - Darren R. Lebl
- />Hospital for Special Surgery, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Spine and Scoliosis Service, 535 East 70th Street, New York, NY 10021 USA
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Jeromel M, Jevtič V, Serša I, Ambrožič A, Tomšič M. Quantification of synovitis in the cranio-cervical region: dynamic contrast enhanced and diffusion weighted magnetic resonance imaging in early rheumatoid arthritis--a feasibility follow up study. Eur J Radiol 2012; 81:3412-9. [PMID: 22578877 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2012.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2011] [Revised: 04/09/2012] [Accepted: 04/10/2012] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To test the feasibility of dynamic contrast enhanced (DCEI) and diffusion weighted (DWI) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for quantifying synovitis of the cranio-cervical (C-C) region in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and neck pain at the beginning and at a six month follow up. METHODS 27 patients with duration of RA of less than 24 months and neck pain were studied with standard qualitative MRI evaluation and two quantitative MRI methods (DCEI and DWI) at the level of atlantoaxial joints. Rate of early enhancement (REE), enhancement gradient (Genh) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) were extracted from DCEI and DWI data. MRI was coupled with clinical assessment and radiographic imaging. RESULTS Using standard qualitative MRI evaluation, unequivocal active synovitis (grade 2 or 3 contrast enhancement) was proved in 16 (59%) patients at baseline and 14 (54%) at follow up. DCEI and DWI measurements confirmed active synovitis in 25 (93%) patients at baseline and 24 (92%) at follow up. Average REE, Genh and ADC values decreased during follow up, however the difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05). Both qualitative and quantitative MRI methods confirmed active inflammatory disease in the C-C region following therapy although all clinical criteria showed signs of improvement of the peripheral disease. CONCLUSIONS The study proved the feasibility of DCEI and DWI MRI for quantifying synovitis of the C-C region in patients with early RA and neck pain. Both techniques can be used as additional method for evaluation of synovitis of the C-C region in RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Jeromel
- Institute of Radiology, Department for Neuroradiology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Zaloska cesta 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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Leone A, Costantini A, Visocchi M, Vestito A, Colelli P, Magarelli N, Colosimo C, Bonomo L. The role of imaging in the pre- and postoperative evaluation of posterior occipito-cervical fusion. Radiol Med 2011; 117:636-53. [DOI: 10.1007/s11547-011-0746-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2010] [Accepted: 03/01/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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16
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Zoli A, Bosello S, Magarelli N, D'Antona G, Amelia R, Fedele A, Peluso G, Bonomo L, Ferraccioli G. Atlantoepistrophic magnetic resonance imaging involvement in early rheumatoid arthritis: an aggressive tight control therapy not fully arresting the disease. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) 2011; 63:1629-33. [PMID: 21954100 DOI: 10.1002/acr.20573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common inflammatory disorder affecting the cervical spine. The purpose of this study was to characterize the atloaxial involvement with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with early RA at the moment of diagnosis and after 18 months of a tight control therapy. METHODS Twenty consecutive patients with early RA without cervical symptoms and 20 healthy controls were enrolled. The patients underwent unenhanced and enhanced gadolinium MRI study of the upper cervical spine at diagnosis and after 18 months of therapy. The presence of pannus tissue at MRI was considered active synovitis. RESULTS Five (25%) of the 20 patients presented craniocervical involvement with active synovitis at MRI. At onset, patients with cervical involvement presented higher levels of erythrocyte sedimentation rate, a higher swollen joint count, and a higher Disease Activity Score in 44 joints level. All 5 patients (100%) with cervical involvement presented already peripheral erosions. After 18 months, 1 of 5 patients with atloepistrophic synovial involvement at baseline presented complete regression of the enhancement of synovial periodontoid process, and 1 presented a decrease of this enhancement. None of the patients developed erosive process at the odontoid. The only patient with complete regression of the enhancement presented a very early disease (<3 months). CONCLUSION Our study demonstrates involvement of the atloaxial junction in 25% of early RA patients, in particular in patients with active and erosive arthritis. An early diagnosis and aggressive treatment with a combination therapy, aiming for remission, does not always reduce atlantoaxial synovitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Zoli
- School of Medicine, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
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Shimada H, Abematsu M, Ishido Y, Kawamura I, Tominaga H, Zenmyo M, Yamamoto T, Taketomi E, Komiya S, Ijiri K. Classification of odontoid destruction in patients with rheumatoid arthritis using reconstructed computed tomography: reference to vertical migration. J Rheumatol 2011; 38:863-7. [PMID: 21362768 DOI: 10.3899/jrheum.100942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To reveal the factors that determine the natural course of subluxation of occipital-cervical lesions in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The atlanto-axial region is one of the most common locations for lesions in RA. Some cases progress from reducible atlanto-axial subluxation (AAS) to irreducible vertical migration, while others continue to exhibit reducible AAS. No study has revealed the factors that determine the natural course of subluxation. We focus on the odontoid as a key structure of the progression of occipito-cervical lesions and investigated this region in patients with RA using reconstructive computed tomography (CT) images, and analyzed factors in association with CT findings. METHODS Fifty-eight patients with RA and 40 age-matched controls, all women, were studied. Associated factors, including C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, steroid usage, and the severity of local osteoporosis, were analyzed as measurements in association with odontoid destruction. RESULTS The destruction of odontoid and atlanto-odontoid joint were common in patients with RA. The more destruction observed in the odontoid process, the greater is the degree of progression of vertical migration. Local osteoporosis is a significant factor in odontoid destruction, based on a cortico-cancellous index of 42% in cases of grade III odontoid destruction. CONCLUSION The odontoid process is a key structure in the progression of occipito-cervical lesions in patients with RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirofumi Shimada
- Orthopaedic Surgery, Kagoshima University, 8-35-1 Sakuragaoka, Kagoshima, Japan
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