Neuropathic‐like pain symptoms in inflammatory hand osteoarthritis lower quality of life and may not decrease under prednisolone treatment

Background

Pain is common in hand osteoarthritis (OA) and multiple types may occur. We investigated the prevalence, associated patient characteristics, influence on health‐related quality of life (HR‐QoL) and response to anti‐inflammatory treatment of neuropathic‐like pain in inflammatory hand OA.

Methods

Data were analysed from a 6‐week, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial investigating prednisolone treatment in 92 patients with painful inflammatory hand OA. Neuropathic‐like pain was measured with the painDETECT questionnaire. Associations between baseline characteristics and baseline neuropathic‐like pain were analysed with ordinal logistic regression, association of baseline neuropathic‐like pain symptoms with baseline HR‐QoL with linear regression, painDETECT and visual analogue scale (VAS) change from baseline to week 6 and interaction of painDETECT with prednisolone efficacy on VAS pain change from baseline to week 6 with generalized estimating equations (GEE).

Results

Of 91 patients (79% female, mean age 64) with complete painDETECT data at baseline, 53% were unlikely to have neuropathic‐like pain, 31% were indeterminate and 16% were likely to have neuropathic‐like pain. Neuropathic‐like pain was associated with female sex, less radiographic damage and more comorbidities. Patients with neuropathic‐like pain had lower HR‐QoL (PCS‐6.5 [95% CI −10.4 to −2.6]) than those without. Neuropathic‐like pain symptoms remained under prednisolone treatment and no interaction was seen between painDETECT and prednisolone efficacy on VAS pain.

Conclusions

In this study, 16% of inflammatory hand OA patients had neuropathic‐like pain. They were more often female, had more comorbidities and had lower QoL than those without. Neuropathic‐like pain symptoms remained despite prednisolone treatment and did not seem to affect the outcome of prednisolone treatment.

Significance

Pain is the dominant symptom in hand OA, with an unclear aetiology. In this study, we found that neuropathic‐like pain may play a role in hand OA, that it showed associations with female sex, younger age and more comorbidities and that it lowered health‐related quality of life in hand OA. Neuropathic‐like pain in hand OA seems resistant to prednisolone therapy but did not seem to interfere with the treatment of inflammatory pain with prednisolone.

POS0974 LOW DOSE COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY HOUNSFIELD UNITS: A RELIABLE METHODOLOGY FOR ASSESSING CHANGES IN VERTEBRAL BONE DENSITY IN RADIOGRAPHIC AXIAL SPONDYLOARTHRITIS

Background

Assessing local vertebral bone loss in radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (r-axSpA) poses challenges, namely because Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) only allows assessment of lumbar vertebrae. The measurement of Computed Tomography (CT) vertebral Hounsfield Units (HU) has been shown to correlate with vertebral bone density as measured by DXA in trauma patients. We have recently reported the excellent reliability of low dose CT (ldCT) HU measurements from C3 to L5 in patients with r-axSpA1; however, HU change scores have never been studied.

Objectives

To describe ldCT HU change scores and their inter-reader reliability per vertebra in patients with r-axSpA over 2 years.

Methods

We used spine ldCT scans of r-axSpA patients included in the multicenter 2-year Sensitive Imaging in Ankylosing Spondylitis (SIAS) study. A standardized protocol and automatic exposure control calibration in ldCT imaging acquisition were used. Baseline and 2-year ldCT scans were independently assessed by two trained readers. The HU measurements were performed as described in Figure 1. Mean (standard deviation, SD) for the change-from-baseline scores were provided by reader, together with the respective mean differences (SD). Inter-reader reliability for the change scores was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) absolute agreement, applying two-way random effect models. Agreement was assessed using the smallest detectable change (SDC = 1.96 x SDdifference /(√2*√k); SDdifference is the SD of the differences in change scores between the two readers, and k=2 readers) and Bland-Altman plots. The percentage of vertebrae in which readers agreed on the direction of the change (positive vs negative) and on change scores > |SDC|were also computed.

Results

Whole spine ldCT scans from 49 r-axSpA patients (mean age of 49 (SD 10) years; 88% male and 84% HLA-B27 positive) were included. In total, 1,053 vertebrae were assessed by both readers. The HU mean change values varied from -23 to 28 and -23 to 29 for reader 1 and 2, respectively – Table 1. More vertebrae showed a positive change in the cervical spine compared with the thoracic and lumbar spine. Inter-reader reliability was excellent (ICC: 0.91 to 0.99). SDC varied from 4 to 7, mean and median of 5. Bland-Altman plots showed homoscedasticity throughout the whole spine, with negligible systematic error between the readers. The two readers agreed on the direction of the change score in 88-96% of vertebrae, and agreement on change scores > |SDC| was obtained in 64-96% of the vertebrae.

Table 1.

Change scores for both readers, mean differences and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) from C3 to L5

Vertebra§Mean change (SD)Mean Difference (SD)Change > 5 #Change < -5 #Change >|5| #ICCReader 1Reader 2C318 (56)17 (56)0.2 (5.0)5532870.97C418 (53)17 (52)0.3 (5.5)5932910.98C528 (70)29 (70)-0.7 (5.0)6132930.99C623 (62)23 (62)0.4 (5.8)5039890.99C7-3 (60)-2 (59)-0.7 (6.9)4049890.98T1-6 (87)-6 (88)0.6 (5.0)4749960.98T23 (45)3 (45)0.7 (4.0)4145860.97T31 (43)2 (43)0.6 (4.4)2935640.95T4-2 (48)-1 (47)0.2 (5.3)3945840.94T50.02 (48)-0.3 (48)0.3 (5.1)3945840.91T6-3 (44)-3 (45)-0.1 (4.6)3545800.95T7-4 (43)-4 (43)-0.1 (4.5)2951800.99T8-1 (38)-1 (40)0.1 (4.6)3545800.98T9-9 (50)-9 (50)0.02 (5.4)2259810.99T100.2 (59)1 (59)-0.4 (5.2)3339720.96T11-8 (53)-7 (53)-0.6 (4.3)3543780.94T12-23 (59)-23 (60)-0.3 (4.4)3553880.99L1-9 (33)-7 (33)-1.9 (6.3)2741680.97L21 (46)2 (45)-1.1 (4.6)2941700.98L3-4 (35)-2 (34)-1.2 (6.3)2439630.92L4-2 (24)1 (22)-1.5 (5.4)3137680.91L58 (43)9 (43)-1.0 (6.0)4733800.97

§ C3-C7: n=44; T1-L5: n=49

# % of vertebrae in which both readers agreed on a change score > smallest detectable change.

Conclusion

LdCT measurement of HU is a reliable method to assess changes in bone density at each vertebra from C3 to L5. This methodology can aid the study of bone loss in r-axSpA, a disease affecting the whole spine.

References

[1]Marques ML, et al. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2021; 73 (suppl 10).

Acknowledgements

To the Dutch Rheumatism Association for funding SIAS study.

Disclosure of Interests

Mary Lucy Marques: None declared, Nuno Pereira da Silva: None declared, Désirée van der Heijde Consultant of: AbbVie, Gilead, Glaxo-Smith-Kline, Lilly, Novartis, UCB Pharma, Monique Reijnierse: None declared, Juergen Braun: None declared, Xenofon Baraliakos: None declared, Floris A. van Gaalen: None declared, Sofia Ramiro: None declared

OP0155 DO FATTY LESIONS EXPLAIN THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN INFLAMMATION AND NEW SYNDESMOPHYTES IN PATIENTS WITH RADIOGRAPHIC AXIAL SPONDYLOARTHRITIS?

Background

Presence of vertebral corner inflammation (VCI) increases the likelihood of a new syndesmophyte in the same vertebral corner (VC) in patients with r-axSpA. It was suggested that subsequent vertebral corner fat deposition (VCFD) partially explains this effect. However, this has not been formally tested.

Objectives

To determine how much of the effect of VCI on the development of new syndesmophytes is explained by new VCFD.

Methods

Two datasets (SIAS cohort, ASSERT clinical trial) were analyzed. Patients with r-axSpA were assessed at baseline (T0), an intermediate visit (T1) (SIAS: 1 year; ASSERT: 24 weeks) and the end of follow-up (T2) (SIAS: 2 years; ASSERT: 102 weeks). Syndesmophytes were assessed on whole spine low dose CT (SIAS) or spinal radiographs (ASSERT) at T0 and T2 and considered present if seen by 2 of 2 readers. VCI (T0) and VCFD (T0 and T1) on spinal MRI were present if seen by ≥2 of 3 readers (SIAS) or 2 of 2 readers (ASSERT). VCs with VCFD or a syndesmophyte at baseline were excluded. We used the counterfactual approach1 to decompose the total effect of VCI at T0 (binary exposure) on the formation of a new syndesmophyte in the same VC at T2 (binary outcome) into the effect that is explained (natural indirect effect, NIE) and the effect that is not explained (natural direct effect, NDE) by new VCFD (binary mediator) at T1. Because there was no interaction between the exposure and mediator (p=0.88 for SIAS; p=0.82 for ASSERT), the average NIE (aNIE) and average NDE (aNDE) are reported. The aNIE, aNDE and total effect, expressed as absolute increase in risk, were estimated in R using the ‘mediation’ package, which takes into account the 2-level structure of the data (VCs nested within patients).

Results

In total, 49 patients (2,667 corners) in SIAS and 168 patients (2,918 corners) in ASSERT were included. A new syndesmophyte occurred at T2 in 124/2,667 (5%) corners in SIAS and 91/2,918 (3%) corners in ASSERT (Table 1). New VCFD at T1 was also uncommon (SIAS: 4%; ASSERT: 2%), but occurred more often in corners with (SIAS: 12%; ASSERT: 18%) than without VCI at T0 (SIAS: 3%; ASSERT: 1%). Applying the mediation formula, in SIAS, the presence of VCI at T0 increased the probability of a new syndesmophyte in the same VC at T2 by 9.3% [total effect (95% CI)=9.3% (4.5; 15.0)]. There was only a 0.2% increase in this probability that was mediated by the formation of new VCFDs at T1 [aNIE=0.2% (-0.4; 1.0)]. In contrast, 9.1% of the increase in probability remained unexplained [aNDE=9.1 (4.3; 15.0)]. This means that only 2% (0.2/9.3) of the total effect of VCI on the formation of new syndesmophytes was explained by new VCFD [% mediated=2.0% (-4.1; 13)]. In ASSERT, the total effect was somewhat lower than in SIAS [total effect=7.3% (2.0; 16.0)], and again the aNIE was small [aNIE=0.8% (-0.2; 3.0)], and the aNDE composed most of the total effect [aNDE=6.5% (1.3; 14.0)]. The proportion of the total effect explained by VCFD (0.8/7.3=10% (-3.1;44)) was larger than in SIAS but still non-significant.

Table 1.

Marginal and conditional probabilities

SIASVCI T0New VCFD T1New SYND T2nP (SYND|VCI, VCFD)P(VCFD|VCI)0002302P (SYND|0,0) =90/2392= 0.038P(VCFD|0) = 74/2466=0.0300019001070P (SYND|0,1) =4/74 = 0.0540114100152P (SYND|1,0) = 25/177 = 0.141P(VCFD|1) = 24/201 =0.1191012511019P (SYND|1,1) = 5/24 = 0.2081115ASSERTVCI T0New VCFD T1New SYND T2nP (SYND|VCI, VCFD)P(VCFD|VCI)0002660P (SYND|0,0) = 76/2736= 0.028P(VCFD|0) = 35/2771 =0.0130017601034P (SYND|0,1) =1/35= 0.0290111100112P (SYND|1,0) = 9/121= 0.074P(VCFD|1) = 26/147 =0.177101911021P (SYND|1,1) = 5/26 = 0.1921115

VCI, vertebral corner inflammation; VCFD, vertebral corner fat deposition; Synd, syndesmophytes; T0, baseline; T1, intermediate visit; T2, end of follow-up; n, number of vertebral corners; P, probability

Conclusion

In these two datasets we see that VCI only infrequently leads to syndesmophyte formation via visible VCFD.

References

[1]Pearl, The mediation formula, 2011

Figure 1.

The pathways under study. VCI, vertebral corner inflammation; VCFD, vertebral corner fat deposition

Disclosure of Interests

Rosalinde Stal: None declared, Alexandre Sepriano Speakers bureau: Novartis, Consultant of: UCB, Sofia Ramiro Speakers bureau: Eli Lilly, MSD, Novartis, UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Eli Lilly, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB, Sanofi, Grant/research support from: AbbVi, Galapagos, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB, Floris A. van Gaalen Consultant of: Novartis, MSD, AbbVie, Bristol Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, Grant/research support from: Stichting vrienden van Sole Mio, Stichting ASAS, Jacobus Stichting, Novartis, UCB, Pedro Machado Consultant of: Abbvie, BMS, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Galapagos, Janssen, MSD, Novartis, Orphazyme, Pfizer, Roche and UCB, Xenofon Baraliakos: None declared, Rosaline van den Berg: None declared, Monique Reijnierse Grant/research support from: reader for ASAS CLASSIC study, Juergen Braun: None declared, Robert B.M. Landewé Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, BMS, GSK, Janssen, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB, Désirée van der Heijde Consultant of: AbbVie, Gilead, Glaxo-Smith-Kline, Lilly, Novartis, UCB Pharma, Grant/research support from: Dutch Rheumatism Association

POS1417 INTEROSSEOUS TENDON INFLAMMATION IN THE HANDS: A NOVEL FEATURE OF DEVELOPING RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS? RESULTS FROM A LARGE MRI STUDY IN CLINICALLY SUSPECT ARTHRALGIA

Background

Inflammation around the tendons of the hand interosseous muscles (interosseous tendon inflammation; ITI) on MRI was recently reported in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and in ACPA-positive individuals with musculoskeletal symptoms. We therefore hypothesized that ITI is an early RA-feature that precedes clinical arthritis.

Objectives

To examine this we assessed the frequency of ITI in clinically suspect arthralgia (CSA) patients and compared this to the frequency in the general population. Additionally we investigated the relation between ITI and other locally inflamed tissues (synovitis/tenosynovitis/osteitis) in MCP-joins of CSA patients as well as the association with future arthritis development.

Methods

667 consecutive patients presenting with CSA and 193 symptom-free controls from the general population underwent contrast-enhanced hand-MRI. MRIs were evaluated for ITI and for synovitis/tenosynovitis/osteitis, using the rheumatoid arthritis MRI scoring system (RAMRIS). CSA patients were followed for clinical arthritis development (median follow-up 25 months). Logistic and Cox-regression were used. ACPA-stratification was performed. To gain a better understanding of the anatomical relationships, 3D MRI-reconstruction of the interosseous and lumbrical muscles and tendons was performed in a patient with ITI.

Results

At presentation, 10% of CSA patients had ITI, compared to 1% of symptom-free controls (p<0.001). ITI was more frequent in ACPA-positive than ACPA-negative CSA (27% versus 7%; p<0.001). 72% of patients with ITI also had synovitis and/or tenosynovitis at the MCPs (37% synovitis; 7% tenosynovitis; 27% both synovitis and tenosynovitis). Also in multivariable analyses, adjusted for simultaneous presence of synovitis/tenosynovitis/osteitis, ITI was more likely if synovitis (OR 2.2 (95%CI 1.2-4.2)) or tenosynovitis (9.7 (5.5-17.0)) was present at MCPs. The 3D MRI-reconstruction indicated that ITI is continuous with MCP flexor tenosynovitis (Figure 1). CSA patients with ITI developed arthritis more frequent than those without (HR 4.5 (2.8-7.2)); this relation was stronger in ACPA-negative (3.9 (1.9-7.9)) than ACPA-positive CSA (1.8 (0.9-3.4)).

Conclusion

ITI is present in CSA and precedes clinical arthritis, suggesting that this peritendinous inflammation is an early RA-feature.

Acknowledgements

We thank G. Kracht for his assistance with preparing the example MR-image.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

POS0964 IS LOW VERTEBRAL BONE DENSITY ASSOCIATED WITH SUBSEQUENT BONE FORMATION AT THE SAME VERTEBRA IN AXIAL SPONDYLOARTHRITIS? – A MULTILEVEL ANALYSIS FROM THE SIAS COHORT

Background

In radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (r-axSpA) it has been hypothesized that inflammation-driven bone loss triggers bone repair at anatomically distinct sites of the same vertebra: bone loss occurring in the trabecular bone and ectopic bone formation in the periosteum1.

Objectives

To investigate whether inflammation is associated with lower bone density (surrogate of bone loss) and subsequently, if lower bone density is associated with 2-year bone formation in r-axSpA at the same vertebra.

Methods

Data from the Sensitive Imaging in Ankylosing Spondylitis (SIAS), a multicentre 2-year cohort, was used. Baseline vertebral bone density was assessed by Hounsfield Units (HU) on low dose Computed Tomography (ldCT) by two independent readers (Figure 1). Baseline magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) bone marrow edema (BME) status scores, and 2-year ldCT syndesmophyte formation or growth change scores were assessed by three and two readers respectively. Inter-reader reliability was assessed for each imaging scoring by vertebra. Average of readers´ continuous scores (bone density HU) or readers´ agreement in binary scores (MRI-BME and bone formation) were used at the same vertebra (1-present in ≥1 quadrant/0-absent in all quadrants). The hypothesised associations were tested in multilevel generalised estimating equations models adjusted for confounders, the unit of analysis being the vertebra.

Results

We analysed 1,100 vertebrae in 50 patients with r-axSpA. Intraclass correlation coefficients for HU measurements varied from 0.89 to 0.97, Fleiss Kappa values for MRI-BME were between 0.41-0.78 and Cohen´s kappa for syndesmophyte formation/growth change scores varied from 0.36 to 0.74. Bone density HU decreased from cranial to caudal vertebrae. Baseline MRI-BME was present in 300/985 (30%) and syndesmophytes in 588/910 (65%) vertebrae, both most prevalent at the thoracolumbar region. Syndesmophyte formation or growth was observed in 18% of at-risk vertebrae (124/691). A significant association was found between inflammation (MRI-BME) and lower bone density (regression coefficient=-51; 95% CI:-63;-39) (Table 1A). Bone density was not associated with 2-year syndesmophyte formation or growth (adjOR 1.00; 95% CI:0.99;1.00) (Table 1B).

Table 1.

Relationships between (A) baseline MRI detected spinal inflammation (MRI-BME) and bone density, and (B) baseline bone density and ldCT bone formation after two years, at the same vertebra.

A.Independent variablesBone density (Hounsfield Units)Univariable analysisMultivariable analysisReg coeff. (95% CI)Adj Reg coeff. (95% CI)N = 910 to 985N = 985MRI-BME (presence)-51 (-63 to -39)-51 (-63 to -39)Age (years)-1 (-2 to 1)-1 (-2 to 1)Gender (male)21 (-20 to 63)16 (-24 to 57)TNFi treatment (yes)26 (-7 to 59)27 (-6 to 61)Baseline syndesmophytes (presence)*-42 (-54 to -30)-B.Independent variablesSyndesmophyte formation or growth§Univariable analysisMultivariable analysisOR (95% CI)AdjOR (95% CI)N = 672 to 691N = 672Bone density (HU)1.00 (0.99 to 1.00)1.00 (0.99 to 1.00)Age (years)1.02 (0.99 to 1.06)1.02 (0.98 to 1.05)Gender (male)0.44 (0.13 to 1.52)0.56 (0.15 to 2.06)Smoking (current)0.89 (0.40 to 1.97)1.02 (0.42 to 2.44)Treatment with TNFi (yes)1.34 (0.56 to 3.21)1.30 (0.43 to 3.90)MRI-BME (presence)2.03 (1.23 to 3.71)1.73 (1.06 to 3.34)Baseline syndesmophytes (presence)*2.84 (1.83 to 4.41)-

*Multicollinearity with MRI-BME. § Absolute agreement of readers.

adjOR - adjusted odds ratio; CI-confidence interval; BME - bone marrow edema; HU - Hounsfield units; ldCT - low dose computed tomography; MRI - magnetic resonance imaging; TNFi – Tumour necrosis factor inhibitors. Statistical significance highlighted in bold.

Conclusion

While in r-axSpA vertebral inflammation associates with low vertebral bone density, lower vertebral bone density itself does not increase the risk for ectopic bone formation at the same vertebra.

References

[1]Lories RJ. Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol. 2018 Jun;32(3):331–41.

Acknowledgements

To the Dutch Rheumatism Association for funding SIAS study.

Disclosure of Interests

Mary Lucy Marques: None declared, Nuno Pereira da Silva: None declared, Désirée van der Heijde Consultant of: AbbVie, Gilead, Glaxo-Smith-Kline, Lilly, Novartis, UCB Pharma, Rosalinde Stal: None declared, Xenofon Baraliakos: None declared, Juergen Braun: None declared, Monique Reijnierse: None declared, Caroline Bastiaenen: None declared, Floris A. van Gaalen: None declared, Sofia Ramiro: None declared

POS0989 DEVELOPMENT OF INTERNATIONAL CONSENSUS ON A STANDARDIZED IMAGE ACQUISITION PROTOCOL FOR DIAGNOSTIC EVALUATION OF THE SACROILIAC JOINTS BY MRI – AN ASAS-SPARTAN COLLABORATION

Background

In 2009, ASAS published a ‘Definition of active sacroiliitis on MRI for classification of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA)’. This definition relied on two MRI sequences to make this determination – semicoronal T1 and STIR. Since then, this approach has frequently been used for diagnosis, even though that was never the intent of the definition. In 2015, the European Society of Skeletal Radiology (ESSR) published its recommendations for an SIJ MRI image acquisition protocol (IAP) for diagnostic purposes that required 4 MRI sequences but there is still no IAP that has been widely accepted as a minimum standard worldwide. In 2020, an informal survey of 24 academic sites (12 Europe, 12 North America) confirmed that 24/24 sites performed a minimum of 3 MRI sequences for diagnosis (19 performed 4-8 sequences) because the 2-sequence protocol was considered inadequate.

Objectives

To develop the minimum requirements for a standardized IAP for MRI of the sacroiliac joints for diagnostic ascertainment of sacroiliitis.

Methods

All radiologist members of the ASAS and SPARTAN Classification in axSpA (CLASSIC) project, along with one European and one North American rheumatologist with extensive MRI experience in SpA clinical practice and research, were invited to participate in a consensus exercise. A draft IAP was circulated to all participants along with background information and justification for the draft proposal. Feedback on all issues was received by email, tabulated and recirculated. Participants were broadly in favour of the proposal and two months later a teleconference meeting took place and remaining points of contention were resolved. Examples of the proposed IAP performed on new, 10 and 22 years’ old MRI scanners were made available for review in DICOM format. Next the revised draft of the IAP was presented at the ASAS annual meeting to the entire membership on 14 January 2022, and voted on.

Results

A 4-sequence IAP, 3-semicoronal and 1-semiaxial, is recommended for diagnostic ascertainment of sacroiliitis and its differential diagnoses (Table 1). It must meet the following requirements: Semicoronal sequences should be parallel to the dorsal cortex of the S2 vertebral body, and include: 1) a sequence sensitive for the detection of active inflammation being T2-weighted with suppression of fat signal; 2) a sequence sensitive for the detection of structural damage in bone and bone marrow with T1-weighting; 3) a sequence that is designed to optimally depict the bone-cartilage interface of the articular surface and be sensitive for detection of bone erosion; plus 4) a semiaxial sequence sensitive for inflammation detection. The IAP was approved at the ASAS annual meeting by a vote of the entire membership with 91% in favour.

Table 1.

A standardized SIJ MRI Acquisition Protocol for diagnostic ascertainment of sacroiliitis

OrientationSequenceTarget Lesion(s)Semicoronal Parallel to the dorsal cortex of the S2 vertebral bodyT1-weighted Spin EchoStructural: Fat lesions, erosion, sclerosis, backfill, ankylosis.T2-weighted with suppressed fat signal (STIR, T2FS or equivalent)Inflammatory: Bone marrow edema (BME)T1-weighted with suppressed fat signal (2D or 3D T1FS)Structural: Erosion of the articular surfaceSemiaxial Perpendicular to semicoronalT2-weighted with suppressed fat signal (STIR, T2FS or equivalent)Inflammatory: Bone marrow edema (BME)

Conclusion

A standardized IAP for MRI of the sacroiliac joints for diagnostic ascertainment of sacroiliitis is recommended and should be comprised of a minimum of 4 sequences, in 2-planes, that will optimally visualize inflammation, structural damage, and the bone-cartilage interface.

Disclosure of Interests

Robert Lambert Paid instructor for: Novartis, Consultant of: Calyx, CARE Arthritis, Image Analysis Group, Xenofon Baraliakos Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Pfizer, MSD, UCB, Novartis, Lilly, Galapagos, Hexal, Paid instructor for: Abbvie, Pfizer, MSD, UCB, Novartis, Lilly, Galapagos, Hexal, Consultant of: Abbvie, Pfizer, MSD, UCB, Novartis, Lilly, Galapagos, Hexal, Grant/research support from: Abbvie, MSD, Novartis, Lilly, Stephanie Bernard Consultant of: Elsevier Amirsys, John Carrino Consultant of: Pfizer, Regeneron, Globus, Carestream, Image Analysis Group, Image Biopsy Lab, Torsten Diekhoff Speakers bureau: Novartis, MSD, Canon MS, Consultant of: Eli Lilly, Iris Eshed: None declared, Kay-Geert Hermann Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Pfizer, MSD, Novartis. Co-founder: BerlinFlame GmbH, Nele Herregods: None declared, Jacob L Jaremko: None declared, Lennart Jans: None declared, Anne Grethe Jurik: None declared, John O’Neill: None declared, Monique Reijnierse: None declared, Michael Tuite Consultant of: GE HealthCare, Walter P Maksymowych Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB, Consultant of: Abbvie, Boehringer Ingelheim, Celgene, Eli-Lilly, Galapagos, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB, Grant/research support from: Abbvie, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB

OP0083 HAND AND FOOT MRI IN CONTEMPORARY UNDIFFERENTIATED ARTHRITIS: IN WHICH PATIENTS IS MRI VALUABLE TO DETECT RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS EARLY? – A LARGE PROSPECTIVE STUDY

Background

Identifying patients that will develop rheumatoid arthritis(RA) among those presenting with undifferentiated-arthritis(UA) remains a clinical dilemma. Although magnetic-resonance-imaging(MRI) is helpful according to EULAR-recommendations, this has only been determined in UA-patients not fulfilling 1987-RA-criteria, whilst part of these patients are currently considered as RA because they fulfill the 2010-criteria.

Objectives

We studied the predictive value of MRI for progression to RA in the current UA-population: i.e. not fulfilling RA-classification-criteria (neither 1987- or 2010-criteria), and not having an alternate diagnosis. Additionally, the value of MRI was studied in patients with a clinical diagnosis of UA, regardless of the classification-criteria.

Methods

Two UA-populations were studied: criteria-based-UA as described above(n=405) and expert-opinion-based-UA(n=564), i.e. UA indicated by treating rheumatologists. These patients were retrieved from a large cohort of consecutively included early arthritis patients that underwent contrast-enhanced MRI-scans of hand and foot at baseline. MRIs were scored for osteitis, synovitis and tenosynovitis. Patients were followed for RA-development during 1-year. Test-characteristics of MRI were determined separately for subgroups based on joint-involvement and autoantibody-status.

Results

Among criteria-based-UA-patients(n=405), 21% developed RA. MRI-detected synovitis and MRI-detected tenosynovitis were predictive. MRI-detected tenosynovitis was independently associated with RA-progression(OR 2.79; 95%CI 1.40-5.58), especially within ACPA-negative UA-patients(OR 2.91; 1.42-5.96). Prior risks of RA-development for UA-patients with mono-/oligo-/polyarthritis were 3%, 19%, 46%, respectively. MRI-results changed this risk most within the oligoarthritis-subgroup: PPV was 27% and NPV 93%. Similar results were found in expert-opinion-based-UA(n=564).

Conclusion

This large cohort-study showed that MRI is most valuable in ACPA-negative UA-patients with oligoarthritis; a negative MRI could aid in preventing overtreatment.

Figure 1.

Flowchart for criteria-based UA-patients showing pre-test and post-test predictive-value for RA-development (A) and percentages of patients within these subgroups (B). 1A) Flowchart with NPV and PPV for MRI-detected tenosynovitis within the specified groups. Pretest-probability of developing RA is shown as a percentage of patients fulfilling 1987 and/or 2010 RA-criteria. 1B) A total of 404 patients were studied, 15 patients were ACPA-positive(4%), 13 patients were ACPA-negative and RF-positive(3%), 376 patients were ACPA- and RF-negative(93%), from which 133 patients had monoarthritis (1 swollen joint, 33%), 169 patients had oligoarthritis (2-4 swollen joints, 42%) and 74 patients had polyarthritis (more than 4 joints, 18%). 1 patient is missing in this analysis due to missing outcome for MRI-detected tenosynovitis, this patient belonged in the oligoarthritis group. UA, Undifferentiated arthritis; RA, Rheumatoid Arthritis; ACPA, Anti-Citrullinated Peptide Antibodies (considered positive if ≥10U/mL); RF, Rheumatoid Factor (considered positive if ≥5.0IU/mL); MRI-TS, MRI detected tenosynovitis; NPV, negative predictive value; PPV, positive predictive value; Swollen joints, based on a 68-swollen joint count.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared.

OP0150 ASAS RECOMMENDATIONS FOR REQUESTING AND REPORTING IMAGING EXAMINATIONS IN PATIENTS WITH SUSPECTED AXIAL SPONDYLOARTHRITIS

Background

Clinicians face uncertainties in their daily practice when requesting imaging examinations for patients with suspected axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) or when producing an imaging report because the requirements and desired information of radiologists and rheumatologists / orthopedics alike are sometimes not completely known or understood.

Objectives

This project aimed to develop practical consensus recommendations for the standardized communication around imaging of sacroiliac joints and spine for diagnostic purposes in patients with suspected axSpA or their management in clinical practice.

Methods

An international task force was established combining radiologists (n=7) and rheumatologists (n=13) from the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society (ASAS), two members of Young ASAS and a patient representative. The task force defined the project’s aims and developed a project statement. Then, considering published literature and the work of other groups, two survey rounds were designed, and all ASAS members invited to respond: first, to identify items for further consideration, second, to consider the detail of information to be communicated. Finally, ASAS members discussed the recommendations proposed by the task force during the ASAS annual workshop in January 2022 and voted regarding endorsement of the recommendations.

Results

The final set of recommendations is presented in Figure 1. Six recommendations deal with imaging requests in patients with axSpA. The first three recommendations entail clinical features, patients’ symptoms and risk factors. Recommendation 4 concerns previous imaging and reports and recommendation 5 refers to contraindications to imaging or contrast media. Recommendation 6 is about the suspected diagnosis and possible clinical differential diagnoses and the reason for the examination. Eleven additional recommendations refer to the radiology report. The first point addresses clinical information included in the report. Recommendations 2 to 4 advise on information about the technical conduct of the exam, the use of contrast media and image quality. Imaging findings that should be mentioned in the report if present are listed in recommendations 5 to 7. Finally, recommendations 8 to 11 combine advice for the conclusion, and for suggesting additional imaging or referral to a rheumatology expert if a different physician requested the imaging. The recommendations were endorsed by ASAS with approval from 73% of voting members (43 agreed, 10 rejected, 6 abstained).

Figure 1.

ASAS recommendations for requesting and reporting imaging in patients with suspected axial Spondyloarthritis.

Conclusion

These ASAS recommendations provide guidance for requesting and reporting imaging examinations in the context of axSpA and for standardizing and enhancing communication between rheumatologists and radiologists to improve diagnosis and patient care.

Disclosure of Interests

Torsten Diekhoff Paid instructor for: Novarits, Eli Lilly, MSD, Canon MS, Consultant of: Eli Lilly, Iris Eshed: None declared, Chiara Giraudo: None declared, Kay-Geert Hermann: None declared, Manouk de Hooge: None declared, Lennart Jans: None declared, Anne Grethe Jurik: None declared, Robert G Lambert: None declared, Pedro M Machado: None declared, Walter P Maksymowych: None declared, Michael Mallinson: None declared, Helena Marzo-Ortega: None declared, Victoria Navarro-Compán: None declared, Susanne Juhl Pedersen: None declared, Mikkel Østergaard: None declared, Monique Reijnierse: None declared, Martin Rudwaleit: None declared, Fernando Sommerfleck: None declared, Ulrich Weber: None declared, Xenofon Baraliakos: None declared, Denis Poddubnyy: None declared

OP0290 WHICH INFLAMED TISSUES EXPLAIN A POSITIVE SQUEEZE TEST OF THE METATARSOPHALANGEAL JOINTS? A LARGE IMAGING STUDY TO INCREASE UNDERSTANDING OF A COMMONLY PERFORMED DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE

Background

The squeeze test of metatarsophalangeal (MTP-)joints is frequently used, because it is easy and cheap, and is traditionally perceived as a test for synovitis. Besides classic intra-articular synovitis also tenosynovitis and intermetatarsal bursitis (IMB) represent synovial inflammation, albeit juxta-articularly located. Both are frequently present in RA and occasionally in other arthritides. However, the contribution of IMB to MTP squeeze test positivity is unknown and the contribution of tenosynovitis has only been partially studied.

Objectives

To assess whether tenosynovitis and IMB contribute to a positive MTP squeeze test.

Methods

192 early arthritis patients and 693 CSA-patients underwent the MTP squeeze test and forefoot MRI at first presentation. MRI measurements in age-matched healthy controls were used to define positivity for synovitis, tenosynovitis and IMB. Logistic regression was used; multivariable models adjusted for sex and simultaneous presence of inflammation features.

Results

In early arthritis patients synovitis (OR 4.8 (95%CI 2.5–9.5)), tenosynovitis (2.4 (1.2–4.7)) and IMB (1.7 (1.2–2.6)) associated with positivity of the MTP squeeze test. Synovitis (3.2 (1.4–7.2)) and IMB (3.9 (1.7–8.8)) remained associated in multivariable analyses. Of patients with a positive MTP squeeze test, 79% had synovitis or IMB: 12% synovitis, 15% IMB and 52% both synovitis and IMB. In CSA-patients, subclinical synovitis (3.0 (2.0–4.7)), tenosynovitis (2.7 (1.6–4.6)) and IMB (1.7 (1.2–2.6)) associated with MTP squeeze test positivity. In multivariable analyses, synovitis remained independently associated (2.5 (1.5-4.1)) whilst tenosynovitis (1.5 (0.8-2.9)) and IMB did not (1.2 (0.8-1.8)). Of patients with a positive MTP squeeze test, 39% had synovitis or IMB: 10% synovitis, 15% IMB and 13% both synovitis and IMB.

Conclusion

Besides synovitis, also IMB contributes to pain upon compression in early arthritis, presumably due to its location between MTP joints. This is the first evidence showing that a positive MTP squeeze test positivity is not only explained by intra- but also juxta-articular inflammation.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

Administration of an adeno-associated viral vector expressing interferon-β in patients with inflammatory hand arthritis, results of a phase I/II study

OBJECTIVE

Inflammatory hand arthritis (IHA) results in impaired function. Local gene therapy with ART-I02, a recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) serotype 5 vector expressing interferon (IFN)-β, under the transcriptional control of nuclear factor κ-B responsive promoter, was preclinically shown to have favorable effects. This study aimed to investigate the safety and tolerability of local gene therapy with ART-I02 in patients with IHA.

METHODS

In this first-in-human, dose-escalating, cohort study, 12 IHA patients were to receive a single intra-articular (IA) injection of ART-I02 ranging 0.3 × 10¹²-1.2 × 10¹³ genome copies in an affected hand joint. Adverse events (AEs), routine safety laboratory and the clinical course of disease were periodically evaluated. Baseline- and follow-up contrast enhanced magnetic resonance images (MRIs), shedding of viral vectors in bodily fluids, and AAV5 and IFN-β immune responses were evaluated. A data review committee provided safety recommendations.

RESULTS

Four patients were enrolled. Long-lasting local AEs were observed in 3 patients upon IA injection of ART-I02. The AEs were moderate in severity and could be treated conservative. Given the duration of the AEs and their possible or probable relation to ART-I02, no additional patients were enrolled. No systemic treatment emergent AEs were observed. The MRIs reflected the AEs by (peri)arthritis. No T-cell response against AAV5 or IFN-β, nor IFN-β antibodies could be detected. Neutralizing antibody titers against AAV5 raised post-dose.

CONCLUSION

Single IA doses of 0.6 × 10¹² or 1.2 × 10¹² ART-I02 vector genomes were administered without systemic side effects or serious AEs. However, local tolerability was insufficient for continuation.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT02727764.

The association of clinical and structural knee osteoarthritis with physical activity in the middle-aged population: the NEO study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate if knee osteoarthritis (OA) is associated with lower physical activity in the general middle-aged Dutch population, and if physical activity is associated with patient-reported outcomes in knee OA.

DESIGN

Clinical knee OA was defined in the Netherlands Epidemiology of Obesity population using the ACR criteria, and structural knee OA on MRI. We assessed knee pain and function with the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Score (KOOS), health-related quality of life (HRQoL) with the Short Form-36, and physical activity (in Metabolic Equivalent of Task (MET) hours) with the Short Questionnaire to Assess Health-enhancing physical activity. We analysed the associations of knee OA with physical activity, and of physical activity with knee pain, function, and HRQoL in knee OA with linear regression adjusted for potential confounders.

RESULTS

Clinical knee OA was present in 14% of 6,212 participants, (mean age 56 years, mean BMI 27 kg/m², 55% women, 24% having any comorbidity) and structural knee OA in 12%. Clinical knee OA was associated with 9.60 (95% CI 3.70; 15.50) MET hours per week more physical activity, vs no clinical knee OA. Structural knee OA was associated with 3.97 (-7.82; 15.76) MET hours per week more physical activity, vs no structural knee OA. In clinical knee OA, physical activity was not associated with knee pain, function or HRQoL.

CONCLUSIONS

Knee OA was not associated with lower physical activity, and in knee OA physical activity was not associated with patient-reported outcomes. Future research should indicate the optimal treatment advice regarding physical activity for individual knee OA patients.

Comparison between 1.5T and 3.0T MRI: both field strengths sensitively detect subclinical inflammation of hand and forefoot in patients with arthralgia

Objective: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of small joints sensitively detects inflammation. This inflammation, and tenosynovitis in particular, has been shown to predict rheumatoid arthritis (RA) development in arthralgia patients. These data have predominantly been acquired on 1.0-1.5 T MRI. However, 3.0 T is now commonly used in practice. Evidence on the comparability of these field strengths is scarce and has never included subtle inflammation in arthralgia patients or tenosynovitis. Therefore, we assessed the comparability of 1.5 T and 3.0 T in detecting subclinical inflammation in arthralgia patients.Method: A total of 2968 locations (joints, bones, tendon sheaths) in the hands and forefeet of 28 patients with small-joint arthralgia, at risk for RA, were imaged on both 1.5 and 3.0 T MRI. Two blinded readers independently scored erosions, osteitis, synovitis, and tenosynovitis, in line with the Rheumatoid Arthritis Magnetic Resonance Imaging Score (RAMRIS). Features were summed into inflammation (osteitis, synovitis, tenosynovitis) and RAMRIS (inflammation and erosions). Agreement was assessed with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for continuous scores and after dichotomization into presence or absence of inflammation, on patient and location levels.Results: Interreader ICCs were excellent (> 0.90). Comparing 1.5 and 3.0 T revealed an ICC of 0.90 for inflammation and RAMRIS. ICCs for individual inflammation features were: tenosynovitis 0.87 (95% confidence interval 0.74-0.94), synovitis 0.65 (0.24-0.84), and osteitis 0.96 (0.91-0.98). Agreement was 83% for inflammation and 89% for RAMRIS. Analyses on the location level showed similar results.Conclusion: Agreement on subclinical inflammation between 1.5 T and 3.0 T was excellent. Although synovitis scores were slightly different, synovitis often occurs simultaneously with other inflammatory signs, suggesting that scientific results on the predictive value of MRI-detected inflammation for RA, obtained on 1.5 T MRI, can be generalized to 3.0 T MRI.

POS0123 NEUROPATHIC PAIN SYMPTOMS IN INFLAMMATORY HAND OSTEOARTHRITIS(OA) LOWERS HEALTH RELATED PHYSICAL QUALITY OF LIFE AND MAY REQUIRE ANOTHER APPROACH THAN ANTI-INFLAMMATORY TREATMENT

Background:

Pain is a common, difficult to manage symptom in hand osteoarthritis (OA). Multiple pain mechanisms may play a role in hand OA.

Objectives:

To investigate presence of neuropathic pain symptoms in patients with inflammatory hand OA, characteristics of those patients, their impact on health related quality of life (HR-QoL), and the influence of anti-inflammatory treatment on neuropathic pain symptoms.

Methods:

Data from a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of prednisolone including 92 patients with hand OA fulfilling ACR criteria were used. At baseline patients had signs of synovial inflammation, a VAS finger pain of ≥30 mm and who flared ≥20 mm upon NSAID washout. The primary endpoint was VAS finger pain (0-100) at week 6.

Neuropathic pain symptoms were measured at baseline and week 6 using the validated painDETECT questionnaire, consisting of questions on pain quality, pain intensity over time and radiating pain. Scores range -1 to 38 and patients are classified as having unlikely (<13), indeterminate (13-18) and likely (>18) neuropathic pain. HR-QoL was measured with physical component scale (PCS) of Short-Form 36 (SF36; 0-100), comorbidities with the Self-administered Comorbidities Questionnaire (SCQ; 0-45), radiographic severity with Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) sum score (0-120), and treatment response with OMERACT-OARSI responder criteria.

Association of patient characteristics with neuropathic pain symptoms was analysed with univariate and multivariate ordinal logistic regression, with painDETECT as dependent variable. Association of neuropathic pain symptoms with HR-QoL was analysed with multivariate linear regression, adjusted for age, sex, BMI, VAS finger pain, SCQ score and KL sum score, with PCS as dependent variable. Response of neuropathic pain symptoms and VAS pain to prednisolone was analysed with generalised estimating equations. Association of neuropathic pain symptoms at baseline with response to treatment was analysed using χ2-tests and GEE.

Results:

91 patients had complete painDETECT data at baseline (mean painDETECT score 12.8 [SD 5.9]). Scores were <13 in 53%, 13-18 in 31% and >18 in 16%. Higher painDETECT score categories were associated with less radiographic damage, more comorbidities, female sex and higher VAS finger pain in multivariate analysis. (table 1)

Table 1.

Ordinal logistic regression with painDETECT categories as dependent variable

VariablesMean (SD) N=91 (100%)Odds ratio (95% CI)Age64 (9)0.96 (0.90 to 1.02)Female sex; N (%)72 (79%)3.84 (1.19 to 12.39)*BMI; median (SD)27 (24 to 29)0.97 (0.89 to 1.06)SCQ score; median (SD)2 (1 to 5)1.04 (1.04 to 1.36)*VAS finger pain53.8 (2.1)1.02 (1.00 to 1.04)*KL sum score37 (16)0.96 (0.93 to 1.00)*

*p<0.05. BMI = body mass index. SCQ = Self-administered comorbidities questionnaire. VAS = visual analog scale. KL= Kellgren-Lawrence.

Patients with painDETECT scores >18 had a lower HR-QoL (PCS -6.5 [95%CI -10.4 to -2.6]) than those with painDETECT scores <13.

PainDETECT scores remained unchanged throughout the trial in both prednisolone-treated and placebo-treated patients, and there was no between-group difference at week 6. VAS pain improved more in the prednisolone group than in the placebo group (mean between-group difference -16.5 [95%CI -26.1 to -6.9]) (figure 1). No association between the presence of neuropathic pain symptoms at baseline and OMERACT-OARSI response to treatment was found.

Conclusion:

Patients with inflammatory hand OA and additional neuropathic pain symptoms are more often female and have more comorbidities, and report a lower QoL, than those without. Neuropathic pain symptoms seem unresponsive to anti-inflammatory therapy. Clinicians should be aware of neuropathic pain symptoms in their patients as they might benefit from additional, specific treatment.

Acknowledgements:

The authors thank all patients for their participation in the HOPE study, and participating rheumatologists for inclusion of patients in the HOPE study. We also thank research nurses B.A.M.J. van Schie-Geyer and S. Wongsodihardjo, and technicians J.C. Kwekkeboom and E.I.H. van der Voort, for their contributions.

Disclosure of Interests:

Coen van der Meulen: None declared, Lotte van de Stadt: None declared, Féline Kroon: None declared, Marion Kortekaas: None declared, Annelies Boonen Speakers bureau: Lecture for UCB; paid to department., Consultant of: Yes. Advisory board meetings at Galapagos, Eli Lilly and Abvvie; paid to department., Grant/research support from: Yes. Grants by Celgene and Abbvie; paid to department., Stefan Böhringer: None declared, Marieke Niesters: None declared, Monique Reijnierse: None declared, Frits Rosendaal: None declared, Naghmeh Riyazi: None declared, M. Starmans: None declared, Franktien Turkstra: None declared, Jende van Zeben: None declared, Cornelia Allaart: None declared, Margreet Kloppenburg Consultant of: For Abbvie, Pfizer, Levicept, GlaxoSmithKline, Merck-Serono, Kiniksa, Flexìon, Galapagos, Jansen, CHDR and local investigator of industry-driven trial (Abbvie). All fees were paid to the institution., Grant/research support from: Grant by the Dutch Arthritis Society

POS0257 TOWARDS A SIMPLIFIED FLUID-SENSITIVE MRI-PROTOCOL IN SMALL JOINTS OF THE HAND IN EARLY ARTHRITIS PATIENTS: RELIABILITY BETWEEN MDIXON AND REGULAR FSE FAT SATURATION MRI-SEQUENCES

Background:

MRI facilitates early recognition of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by depicting inflammation. Contrast-enhanced T1-weighted and T2-weighted fat-suppressed sequences have been sensitive and thus recommended, but are hampered by invasiveness, costs and long scan time. Therefore we introduced a modified Dixon-sequence (mDixon) which is more patient-friendly, reduces cost, and scan times by 83%. However, it is not known if this mDixon-sequence is reliable in relation to regular MRI-sequences with and without contrast (T1- and T2-weighted, respectively).

Objectives:

We determined the reliability between regular MRI-sequences with and without contrast (T1- and T2-weighted, respectively) and mDixon-MRI in early arthritis patients.

Methods:

29 early arthritis patients underwent regular fat-suppressed-MRI (T1- and T2-weighted) and mDixon-sequences, of metacarpophalangeal-2-5 and wrist-joints. Two readers scored erosions, osteitis, synovitis and tenosynovitis. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) between readers, and comparing the two sequences, were studied. Spearman correlations were determined.

Results:

Performance between the two readers with the regular-MRI sequences, was good to excellent (ICCs all ≥0.88). The between reader ICC was also good to excellent for the mDixon-MRI (ICCs all ≥0.76). Next, ICCs between the two sequences was investigated to determine the reliability of mDixon. ICCs were good to excellent for total RAMRIS score 0.87 (95%CI 0.74-0.94), for erosions 0.88 (95%CI 0.69-0.95), and total inflammation score 0.84 (95%CI 0.69-0.82). The individual MRI-inflammation scores, had ICCs for osteitis 0.97 (95%CI 0.93-0.98), for tenosynovitis 0.78 (95%CI 0.58-0.89), and for synovitis 0.57 (95%CI 0.26-0.77). In addition, scores were highly correlated for total RAMRIS, erosions, and total MRI-inflammation score (ρ=0.82, ρ=0.81, ρ=0.80, respectively).

Conclusion:

Regular-MRI sequences and mDixon-MRI perform equally well, this suggests that mDixon-sequence is reliable to detect joint inflammation. Thus, this is the first step towards an simplified and abridged MRI-protocol in small hand-joints in early arthritis patients. The ultimate goal will be implementation of this mDixon-MRI sequence. Validation in larger studies is warranted.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

POS1391 MEASURING SUBCLINICAL INFLAMMATION IN HAND AND FOREFOOT IN PATIENTS WITH ARTHRALGIA USING 1.5T OR 3.0T MRI: DOES FIELD STRENGTH MATTER?

Background:

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of small joints sensitively detects inflammation. MRI-detected subclinical inflammation, and tenosynovitis in particular, has been shown predictive for RA development in patients with arthralgia. These scientific data are mostly acquired on 1.0T-1.5T MRI scanners. However, 3.0T MRI is nowadays increasingly used in practice. Evidence on the comparability of these field strengths is scarce and it has never been studied in arthralgia where subclinical inflammation is subtle. Moreover, comparisons never included tenosynovitis, which is, of all imaging features, the strongest predictor for progression to RA.

Objectives:

To determine if there is a difference between 1.5T and 3.0T MRI in detecting subclinical inflammation in arthralgia patients.

Methods:

2968 locations (joints, bones or tendon sheaths) in hands and forefeet of 28 arthralgia patients were imaged on both 1.5T and 3.0T MRI. Two independent readers scored for erosions, osteitis, synovitis (according to RAMRIS) and tenosynovitis (as described by Haavaardsholm et al.). Scores were also summed as total inflammation (osteitis, synovitis and tenosynovitis) and total RAMRIS (erosions, osteitis, synovitis and tenosynovitis) scores. Interreader reliability (comparing both readers) and field strength agreement (comparing 1.5T and 3.0T) was assessed with interclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). Next, field strength agreement was assessed after dichotomization into presence or absence of inflammation. Analyses were performed on patient- and location-level.

Results:

ICCs between readers were excellent (>0.90). Comparing 1.5 and 3.0T revealed excellent ICCs of 0.90 (95% confidence interval 0.78-0.95) for the total inflammation score and 0.90 (0.78-0.95) for the total RAMRIS score. ICCs for individual inflammation features were: tenosynovitis: 0.87 (0.74-0.94), synovitis 0.65 (0.24-0.84) and osteitis 0.96 (0.91-0.98). The field strength agreement on dichotomized scores was 83% for the total inflammation score and 89% for the total RAMRIS score. Of the individual features, agreement for tenosynovitis was the highest (89%). Analyses on location- level showed similar results.

Conclusion:

Agreement of subclinical inflammation scores on 1.5T and 3.0T were good to excellent, in particular for tenosynovitis. This suggests that scientific evidence on predictive power of MRI in arthralgia patients, obtained on 1.5T, can be generalized to 3.0T when this field strength would be used for diagnostic purposes in daily practice.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

POS0385 DURING DEVELOPMENT OF RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS, INTERMETATARSAL BURSITIS MAY OCCUR BEFORE CLINICAL JOINT SWELLING: A LARGE MRI STUDY IN PATIENTS WITH CLINICALLY SUSPECT ARTHRALGIA

Background:

Inflammation of the synovial lining is a hallmark of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). A synovial lining is not only present at synovial joints and tendon sheaths but also at bursae. Inflammation of the synovium-lined intermetatarsal bursae in the forefoot, intermetatarsal bursitis (IMB), was recently identified with MRI. It is specific for early RA and present in the majority of RA patients at diagnosis. During development of RA, MRI-detectable subclinical synovitis and tenosynovitis often occur before clinical arthritis presents. Whether IMB is also present in a pre-arthritis stage is unknown.

Objectives:

To assess the occurrence of IMB in patients with clinically suspect arthralgia (CSA) and its association with progression to clinical arthritis in a large MRI-study.

Methods:

We studied 524 consecutive patients presenting with CSA. CSA was defined as recent-onset arthralgia of small joints that is likely to progress to RA based on the clinical expertise of the rheumatologist. Participants underwent unilateral contrast-enhanced 1.5T MRI of the forefoot, metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints and wrist at baseline. Thereafter patients were followed for detection of clinical arthritis, as identified at physical joint examination by the rheumatologist. Baseline MRIs were evaluated for IMB at all 4 intermetatarsal spaces. Also synovitis, tenosynovitis and osteitis were assessed in line with the RA MRI scoring system (summed as RAMRIS-inflammation). Both IMB and RAMRIS-inflammation were dichotomised into positive/negative using data from age-matched symptom-free controls as a reference. Cox regression analysed the association of IMB with progression to clinical arthritis; multivariable analyses were used to adjust for RAMRIS-inflammation which is known to associate with progression to clinical arthritis. Analyses were repeated stratified for ACPA-status, since ACPA-positive and ACPA-negative RA are considered separate entities with differences in pathophysiology.

Results:

The baseline MRIs showed ≥1 IMB in 35% of CSA-patients. Patients with IMB were more likely to also have synovitis (OR 2.5 (95%CI 1.2–4.9)) and tenosynovitis (8.9 (3.4–22.9)) on forefoot MRI, but not osteitis (0.9 (0.5–1.8)). Patients were followed for median 25 months (IQR 19–27). IMB-positive patients developed clinical arthritis more often than IMB-negative patients (HR 3.0 (1.9-4.8)). This association was independent of RAMRIS-inflammation (adjusted HR 2.2 (1.4–3.6)). In stratified analyses, IMB was more frequent in ACPA-positive than in ACPA-negative CSA (68% vs. 30%, p<0.001). Moreover IMB predicted clinical arthritis development in ACPA-positive CSA (HR 2.5 (1.1–5.7)) but not in ACPA-negative CSA patients (1.0 (0.5–2.2)).

Conclusion:

One-third of CSA patients have IMB. IMB is frequently present in conjunction with subclinical synovitis and tenosynovitis. It precedes the development of clinical arthritis, and in particular the development of ACPA-positive RA. These results reinforce the notion that not only intra- but also juxta-articular synovial inflammation is involved in the development of RA.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

POS1431 THE ASSOCIATION OF CLINICAL AND STRUCTURAL KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS WITH PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN THE MIDDLE-AGED POPULATION: THE NEO STUDY

Background:

Lack of physical activity in individuals with knee OA has shown to be associated with increased cardiovascular risk and mortality. Consequently, physical activity is a potential target for interventions in knee OA. However, most of the available studies concerning physical activity in individuals with knee OA were performed in relatively old populations with an inactive lifestyle. It is unclear how previous results can be generalized to other populations with different lifestyle and physical activity habits.

Objectives:

To investigate if knee OA is associated with lower physical activity in a general middle-aged Dutch population. Furthermore, to investigate the association of physical activity with patient reported outcomes such as knee pain and function, and health-related quality of life in individuals with knee OA.

Methods:

We used cross-sectional data from the Netherlands Epidemiology of Obesity (NEO) study, in which participants aged 45-65 years were included. Clinical knee OA was defined using the ACR criteria. Structural knee OA was defined on MRI using the modified criteria by Hunter et al. in a random subset of 1,285 individuals of our study population.

We assessed knee pain and function with the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Score (KOOS), and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) with the Short Form (SF)-36. Physical activity (in Metabolic Equivalent of Task (MET) hours per week) was assessed using the Short Questionnaire to Assess Health-enhancing physical activity (SQUASH).

We used linear regression analyses to investigate 1) the association of knee OA with physical activity, and 2) of physical activity with knee pain, function, and HRQoL in participants with clinical knee OA. All analyses were adjusted for age, sex, body mass index (BMI), ethnicity, educational level and comorbidities. To account for possible information bias, we performed a sensitivity analysis to assess the association between clinical knee OA and physical activity measured by an accelerometer in a random subset of 15% of the study population.

Results:

Of 6,212 participants, we observed clinical knee OA in 14%, and structural knee OA in 12%. The general population characteristics and median physical activity of our study population are presented in Table 1. In comparison to participants without knee OA, participants with clinical knee OA had on average 9.60 (95% CI 3.70;15.50) MET hours per week more total physical activity (Figure 1). Structural knee OA was associated with 3.97 (-7.82; 15.76) MET hours per week more physical activity, compared with no structural knee OA.

Sensitivity analysis showed a weak positive association of clinical knee OA with physical activity measured by an accelerometer: 2.37 (-6.05; 10.80) MET hours per week more physical activity in participants with clinical knee OA, compared with participants without clinical knee OA.

In the subpopulation of participants with clinical knee OA, physical activity was not associated with knee pain, function or HRQoL.

Conclusion:

Knee OA was not associated with lower physical activity in this middle-aged Dutch population. This contrasts previous findings and warrants caution when generalizing physical activity outcomes to other populations. Furthermore, it stresses the need of more insight in the barriers and facilitators of physical activity in the middle-aged population.

Table 1.

Characteristics of the NEO study population

Alln = 6,214No clinical knee OA86%Clinical knee OA14%General population characteristics Age (year)55.7 (6.0)55.4 (6.1)57.5 (5.0) Sex (% women)555467 BMI (kg/m2)26.3 (4.4)26.1 (4.3)27.6 (5.1) Comorbidities (% present)242332Physical activity Total^ (MET-hours per week)118.8 (76.8;155.0)118.4 (76.6;154.4)123.5 (77.8;157.2)

Numbers represent mean (SD) or percentages. ^median (25th, 75th percentiles). Abbreviations: OA = osteoarthritis. BMI = Body Mass Index. MET = Metabolic Equivalent of Task.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

POS0033 IN RADIOGRAPHIC AXIAL SPONDYLOARTHRITIS, BRIDGING SYNDESMOPHYTES INCREASE RISK OF FACET JOINT ANKYLOSIS ON THE SAME VERTEBRAL LEVEL WHILE FACET JOINT ANKYLOSIS DOES NOT INCREASE RISK OF SAME LEVEL SYNDESMOPHYTES

Background:

In radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (r-axSpA), spinal damage manifests as syndesmophytes and facet joint ankylosis (FJA).

Objectives:

Explore whether syndesmophytes and FJA seem to have a preferential order of development.

Methods:

Data were used from the Sensitive Imaging in Ankylosing Spondylitis cohort from Leiden and Herne. Patients underwent low-dose Computed Tomography (ldCT) at baseline and two-years. LdCT images were scored independently by two trained readers. Vertebrae were scored according to the Computed Tomography Syndesmophyte Score (CTSS) for presence and size of syndesmophytes; facet joints were scored as not-ankylosed and ankylosed. Analyses were performed on the vertebral unit (VU) level and using individual-reader data (Figure 1). Two hypotheses were tested: 1) presence of bridging syndesmophyte(s) is associated with FJA on the same VU two years later, and 2) presence of FJA is associated with syndesmophyte(s) on the same VU two years later. Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) models were used to take into account the correlations between VUs from the same patient and adjusting for reader to account for individual reader scores. Two models were tested per hypothesis using different outcomes. Model 1 uses the presence of syndesmophytes or FJA as outcome adjusting for the outcome at baseline. Model 2 uses development of new syndesmophytes or FJA at two years plus an increase in the number of syndesmophytes or FJA.

Results:

In total, 50 patients were included (mean age 49, 84% male, 82% HLA-B27+). At baseline, there was a higher percentage of bridging syndesmophytes (range: 10-60%) than FJA (range: 8-36%) considering all VUs and both readers (Figure 1). In both models, presence of bridging syndesmophytes was associated with development of FJA two years later (OR (95%CI) Model 1: 3.35 (2.18-5.14); Model 2: 2.23 (1.19-4.16)) while presence of FJA at baseline did not have a statistically significant association with development of syndesmophytes two years later (Table 1).

Conclusion:

The data showed a higher occurrence of bridging syndesmophytes than FJA at baseline and showed significantly increased odds to develop FJA when bridging syndesmophyte(s) are present on the same VU two years prior. This mechanism did not hold true for the other direction. These results cautiously imply that bridging syndesmophytes precede FJA, rather than FJA preceding syndesmophytes.

Figure 1.

Percentage of occurrence of syndesmophytes and facet joint ankylosis per vertebral unit and per reader at baseline.

Figure 1 displaying percentages of patients with a bridging syndesmophyte and with facet joint ankylosis at baseline, per reader. The image on the left illustrates the vertebral unit level (VU) at which analyses were performed. Seven VUs are illustrated in dashed boxes as example. Synd, syndesmophyte; FJA, facet joint ankylosis; BL, baseline.

Table 1.

Associations between facet joint ankylosis and syndesmophytes

Model 1: development of new FJA/syndesmophytes at FUOR (95% CI)Model 2: development and/or increase FJA/syndesmophytes at FUOR (95% CI)Hypothesis 1Presence bridging syndesmophytes at BL on development of FJA at FU3.35 (2.18-5.14)2.23 (1.19-4.16)Hypothesis 2Presence FJA at BL on development of syndesmophytes at FU1.60 (0.88-2.91)1.12 (0.76-1.66)

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared.

POS0258 REAL-TIME VERSUS STATIC SCORING IN MUSCULOSKELETAL ULTRASONOGRAPHY IN PATIENTS WITH INFLAMMATORY HAND OSTEOARTHRITIS

Background:

Ultrasound (US) is used in rheumatic musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) such as hand osteoarthritis (OA) as outcome measure. Traditionally scoring is performed real-time, but central reading of static US images could avoid issues of inter-rater reliability. However, agreement between real-time and static assessment has not been studied

Objectives:

To study the agreement between real-time and static scoring of US in inflammatory hand OA.

Methods:

Ultrasound was performed of 30 joints obtained in 75 patients with hand osteoarthritis, treated with prednisolone or placebo in a randomized double-blind trial. Hand joints were assessed for synovial thickening, effusion, Doppler signal and osteophytes by ultrasound (score 0-3 per joint) at baseline and after treatment. Two ultrasonographers blinded for clinical data scored the live images together (simultaneously) in real-time. A consensus score for each joint was recorded. Representative images stored during scanning were scored by one ultrasonographer minimally 6 months after real-time scoring. For each patient, images of each visit were scored paired, with known chronological order.

Agreement between scoring methods was studied at joint level with quadratic weighted kappa. At patient level, intra-class correlations (ICC; mixed effect model, absolute agreement, with clustering taken into account) were calculated at both timepoints. ICCs were also calculated for the delta of sum scores. Responsiveness of scoring methods was analyzed with generalized estimating equations (GEE) with treatment as independent and ultrasonography findings as dependent variable.

Results:

Thirty-nine patients (52%) were treated with prednisolone and 36 (48%) were treated with placebo. Patient characteristics were well-balanced between treatment groups.

All patients had signs of synovial thickening and osteophytes as assessed by real-time ultrasonography, and almost all signs of effusion (99%) or a positive Doppler signal (95%) in at least one joint. Total ultrasonography sum score for osteophytes was high (mean 45 ±SD 12), whereas sum score was low for positive Doppler signal (mean 5.9 ±SD 4.4), with intermediate sum scores for synovial thickening and effusion (mean 16 ±SD 6.3 and 11 ±SD 6.0 respectively). Static sum scores were overall slightly higher (osteophytes mean 48 ±SD 10; Doppler mean 6.9 S±D 5.0; synovial thickening mean 20 ±SD 7.0 and effusion 13 ±SD 6.5)

Agreement at baseline was good to excellent at joint level (kappa 0.72-0.88) and moderate to excellent at patient level (ICC 0.59-0.86). Agreement for delta sum scores was poor to fair for synovial thickening and effusion (ICC 0.18 and 0.34 respectively), but excellent for Doppler signal (ICC 0.80) (Table 1).

Real-time ultrasonography showed responsiveness to prednisolone with a mean between-group difference of synovial thickening sum score of -2.5 (CI:-4.7 to-0.3). Static ultrasonography did not show a decrease in synovial thickening (Figure 1). No difference in ultrasonography scores was seen for the other ultrasonography features, neither with real-time nor static scoring.

Conclusion:

While cross-sectional agreement between real-time and static ultrasonography was good, agreement of delta sum scores was not and paired static ultrasonography measurement of synovial thickening did not show responsiveness to prednisone therapy where real-time ultrasonography did. Therefore, when using ultrasonography in clinical trials, real-time dynamic scoring should remain the standard.

Table 1.

Agreement on patient level

BaselineWeek 6Delta W6-BLICC (95% CI)ICC (95% CI)ICC (95% CI)Synovitis0.59 (0.26-0.76)0.58 (0.24-0.77)0.18 (0 - 0.40)Effusion0.84 (0.66-0.92)0.84 (0.75-0.89)0.34 (0.12-0.53)Osteophytes0.82 (0.50-0.92)0.78 (0.56-0.88)NDDoppler0.86 (0.75-0.92)0.91 (0.85-0.94)0.80 (0.70 -0.87)

ICC: intra-class correlation coefficient linear mixed model (random patient, fixed rating), absolute agreement. ND: Not Dertermined

Disclosure of Interests:

Lotte van de Stadt: None declared, Féline Kroon: None declared, Monique Reijnierse Grant/research support from: Dutch Arthritis Foundation, Désirée van der Heijde Consultant of: bbVie, Amgen, Astellas, AstraZeneca, Bayer, BMS, Boehringer Ingelheim, Celgene, Cyxone, Daiichi, Eisai, Eli-Lilly, Galapagos, Gilead, Glaxo-Smith-Kline, Janssen, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, Regeneron, Roche, Sanofi, Takeda, UCB Pharma, Frits Rosendaal: None declared, Naghmeh Riyazi: None declared, R. de Slegte: None declared, Jende van Zeben: None declared, Cornelia Allaart: None declared, Margreet Kloppenburg Consultant of: Abbvie, Pfizer, Levicept, GlaxoSmithKline, Merck-Serono, Kiniksa, Flexion, Galapagos, Jansen, CHDR, Grant/research support from: MI-APPROACH, Marion Kortekaas: None declared

OP0250 MRI VERTEBRAL CORNER INFLAMMATION AND FAT DEPOSITION ARE ASSOCIATED WITH WHOLE SPINE LOW DOSE CT DETECTED SYNDESMOPHYTES: A MULTILEVEL ANALYSIS

Background:

A few studies have shown an association between vertebral corner inflammation (VCI) and vertebral corner fat deposition (VCFD) on MRI and syndesmophyte formation on cervical and lumbar conventional radiography.

Objectives:

To investigate whether magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) patterns of VCI, VCFD and a combination of both are associated with the development of new or grown syndesmophytes as detected by whole spine low dose computed tomography (ldCT), thereby studying these associations also in the thoracic spine.

Methods:

Patients in the Sensitive Imaging in Ankylosing Spondylitis cohort underwent MRI at baseline, 1 year and 2 years, and ldCT at baseline and 2 years. MRI lesions were scored by 3 central readers, using the SPARCC method for VCI and the CanDen method for VCFD, and coded as absent or present per timepoint and per reader. MRI patterns over time (Table) were based on patterns studied by Machado et al.1 and deemed present if seen by ≥2 out of 3 readers. The patterns reflect hypothetical associations between presence and absence of VCI and VCFD, independently and combined, on ldCT detected new or grown syndesmophytes. Individual reader change scores were used for ldCT images, scored by 2 central readers with the Computed Tomography Syndesmophyte Score. New (CTSS 0 to 1, 2 or 3) and grown (CTSS 1 to 2 or 3; 2 to 3) syndesmophytes were grouped together to represent bone formation. Corners not at risk for the outcome due to presence of a bridged syndesmophyte at baseline were excluded. Multilevel generalized estimated equations were used, with separate models per MRI pattern, accounting for correlations within patients and between ldCT readers.

Table 1.

Effect of vertebral corner inflammation and vertebral corner fat deposition on syndesmophyte formation

Patterns of lesions over time on MRICorners with VCI/VCFD patternN(%)OR (95% CI)1. VCI at any TP, irrespective of VCFD691 (15.0%)2.37 (1.49-3.78)2. VCFD at any TP, irrespective of VCI1080 (23.5%)2.58 (1.97-3.39)3. VCI on ≥1 TP and absence of VCFD on all TPs372 (8.1%)1.90 (1.15-3.13)4. VCFD on ≥1 TP and absence of VCI on all TPs754 (16.4%)1.87 (1.41-2.48)5. VCI precedes VCFD43 (0.9%)2.20 (0.83-5.86)6. VCI precedes or coincides with VCFD. VCFD does not precede VCI198 (4.3%)2.33 (1.47-3.69)7. Absence of VCI and VCFD on all TPs3108 (67.6%)0.35 (0.25-0.49)

VCI, vertebral corner inflammation; VCFD, vertebral corner fat deposition; TP, timepoint.

Results:

50 patients were included, contributing a total of 4600 vertebral corners. Their mean age was 49.3 years (SD 9.8), 86% were male and 78% were HLA-B27+. Presence of VCI and VCFD patterns ranged from 43 (0.9%) to 3108 (67.6%) corners (Table), with the lowest frequency being for VCI preceding VCFD. Protection against syndesmophyte development was seen in case of absence of both VCI and VCFD (OR 0.35) and positive associations with ORs ranging from 1.87-2.58 were observed for various VCI/VCFD patterns. Nevertheless, out of all corners with a new or grown syndesmophyte, 47.3% of corners according to reader 1 and 43.9% according to reader 2 had neither VCI nor VCFD preceding the bone formation.

Conclusion:

Presence of VCI or VCFD and combinations of the two, measured yearly on MRI, increased odds of bone formation 2 years later, whereas absence of both VCI and VCFD decreased the odds, showing that VCI and VCFD have some role in the development of syndesmophytes. However, almost half of all bone formation occurred in corners without VCI or VCFD, suggesting the presence of these lesions in yearly MRIs does not fully explain the development of syndesmophytes. This study confirmed that there is an association between VCI and VCFD and bone formation also for the thoracic spine and on ldCT compared to conventional radiography.

References:

[1]Machado et al ARD 2016

Disclosure of Interests:

Rosalinde Stal: None declared, Xenofon Baraliakos: None declared, Alexandre Sepriano: None declared, Floris A. van Gaalen Grant/research support from: Novartis, Sofia Ramiro: None declared, Rosaline van den Berg: None declared, Monique Reijnierse: None declared, Juergen Braun: None declared, Robert B.M. Landewé: None declared, Désirée van der Heijde: None declared

POS0021 INTERMETATARSAL BURSITIS, A NOVEL FEATURE OF JUXTA-ARTICULAR INFLAMMATION IN EARLY RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS: RESULTS FROM A LONGITUDINAL MRI-STUDY

Background:

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterised by inflammation of the synovial lining. In addition to synovitis, the tendon sheaths of small hand and foot joints are also frequently inflamed. This results in tenosynovitis, which is often missed at clinical evaluation in early RA but visible on imaging, such as MRI. A third anatomical structure surrounded by a synovial lining is formed by the intermetatarsal bursae in the forefeet. Inflammation of these bursae (intermetatarsal bursitis; IMB) was recently identified at MRI-studies and shown to be specific for early RA.[1] This suggests that IMB is also a feature of early RA.

Objectives:

We hypothesised that if IMB is indeed an RA-feature, then (1) at diagnosis its presence associates with other measures of local inflammation (synovitis, tenosynovitis and osteitis) and (2) it responds to DMARD therapy similarly as these other local inflammatory measures. These hypotheses were tested in a comprehensive MRI-study.

Methods:

157 consecutive early RA patients underwent unilateral contrast-enhanced 1.5T MRI of the forefoot at diagnosis. MRIs were evaluated for presence of IMB and for synovitis, tenosynovitis and osteitis in line with the RA MRI scoring system (summed as RAMRIS-inflammation). MRIs at 4, 12 and 24 months were evaluated for presence and size of IMB-lesions in patients who had IMB at baseline and received early DMARD-therapy. Logistic regression was used for analyses at patient-level; generalised estimating equations were used for bursa-level analyses. Stratification for ACPA was performed.

Results:

69% of RA patients had ≥1 IMB. In multivariable analyses on bursa-level, presence of IMB was independently associated with local presence of synovitis and tenosynovitis (OR 1.69 (95%CI 1.12–2.57) and 2.83 (1.80–4.44), respectively), but not with osteitis. On patient-level, presence of IMB was most strongly associated with tenosynovitis (OR 2.92 (1.62–5.24)). During treatment with DMARDs, the average size of IMB-lesions decreased (Figure 1). This decrease was associated with decrease in RAMRIS-inflammation scores; most strongly with a decrease in synovitis but not in osteitis. Within ACPA-positive and ACPA-negative RA similar results were obtained.

Conclusion:

IMB particularly accompanies inflammation of the synovial lining of joints and tendon-sheaths, both regarding simultaneous occurrence at diagnosis and simultaneous treatment-response. These findings suggest that IMB represents juxta-articular synovial inflammation and indeed is a hallmark of early RA.

References:

[1]Dakkak YJ et al. Increased frequency of intermetatarsal and submetatarsal bursitis in early rheumatoid arthritis: a large case-controlled MRI study. Arthritis Res Ther 22, 277 (2020).

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared.

Effusion attenuates the effect of synovitis on radiographic progression in patients with hand osteoarthritis: a longitudinal magnetic resonance imaging study

An exploratory study to determine the role of effusion, i.e., fluid in the joint, in pain, and radiographic progression in patients with hand osteoarthritis. Distal and proximal interphalangeal joints (87 patients, 82% women, mean age 59 years) were assessed for pain. T2-weighted and Gd-chelate contrast-enhanced T1-weighted magnetic resonance images were scored for enhanced synovial thickening (EST, i.e., synovitis), effusion (EST and T2-high signal intensity [hsi]) and bone marrow lesions (BMLs). Effusion was defined as follows: (1) T2-hsi > 0 and EST = 0; or 2) T2-hsi = EST but in different joint locations. Baseline and 2-year follow-up radiographs were scored following Kellgren-Lawrence, increase ≥ 1 defined progression. Associations between the presence of effusion and pain and radiographic progression, taking into account EST and BML presence, were explored on the joint level. Effusion was present in 17% (120/691) of joints, with (63/120) and without (57/120) EST. Effusion on itself was not associated with pain or progression. The association with pain and progression, taking in account other known risk factors, was stronger in the absence of effusion (OR [95% CI] 1.7 [1.0–2.9] and 3.2 [1.7–5.8]) than in its presence (1.6 [0.8–3.0] and 1.3 [0.5–3.1]). Effusion can be assessed on MR images and seems not to be associated with pain or radiographic progression but attenuates the association between synovitis and progression.

Key Points • Effusion is present apart from synovitis in interphalangeal joints in patients with hand OA. • Effusion in finger joints can be assessed as a separate feature on MR images. • Effusion seems to be of importance for its attenuating effect on the association between synovitis and radiographic progression.

SAT0559 INCREASED FREQUENCY OF INTER- AND SUBMETATARSAL BURSITIS AND MORTON’S NEUROMA IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS: RESULTS OF A LARGE CASE-CONTROLLED MRI STUDY OF FOREFEET IN PATIENTS WITH EARLY ARTHRITIS AND HEALTHY CONTROLS

Background:

The forefoot is a preferential location for tendon and joint inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Some imaging studies suggested that intermetatarsal and submetatarsal pathology (such as bursitis and Morton’s neuroma) are also involved in RA, but these studies were small and its association was not thoroughly explored.

Objectives:

To determine whether intermetatarsal bursitis (IMB), Morton’s neuroma (MN) and submetatarsal bursitis (SMB) occur more often in early RA, compared to patients with other early arthritides and healthy controls. Contrast-enhancement in the subcutis that has been described as diffuse submetatarsal alterations (DSMA) were also included.

Methods:

In this cross-sectional cohort-study, consecutive patients with RA, other arthritides and healthy controls underwent MRI of unilateral forefoot. Two readers, a trained PhD-student an experienced MSK-radiologist, scored IMB, MN, SMB and DSMA in consensus, and measured transverse and dorsoplantar diameters of IMB, MN and SMB. Logistic regression models determined their association with RA, and test characteristics for RA were calculated. Lesion-sizes were plotted.

Results:

634 participants underwent MRI: 157 consecutive patients with RA (109 women; age 59±11SD), 284 with other early arthritides (158 women; age 56±17SD), and 193 healthy controls (136 women; age 50±16SD). Univariably, IMB, MN and SMB were more prevalent in RA (all P<0.001), DSMA was not (P=0.16). Multivariably, MB, SMB and MN were all associated with RA independent of each other (P<0.016). IMB was most frequent (sensitivity 69%), followed by SBM and MN (25% and 19%), specificity was high (70%, 96%, 94% respectively compared to other arthritides and 84%, 99% and 97% compared to healthy controls).

Although IMB, MN and SNB were more frequent in RA, the lesion-size was mainly similar in all groups. For MN a dorsoplantar diameter >6mm or transverse diameter >5mm was highly specific (specificity 100% compared to healthy controls), however it was infrequent (sensitivity 12% and 13%, respectively). For IMB and SMB no cut-off size could be distinguished with high specificity.

Conclusion:

Intermetatarsal bursitis, Morton’s neuroma and submetatarsal bursitis are increased prevalent in early RA and could be considered as disease features.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

In finger osteoarthritis, change in synovitis is associated with change in pain on a joint-level; a longitudinal magnetic resonance imaging study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate determinants of decrease and increase in joint pain in symptomatic finger osteoarthritis (OA) on magnetic resonance (MR) imaging over 2 years.

DESIGN

Eighty-five patients (81.2% women, mean age 59.2 years) with primary hand OA (89.4% fulfilling American College of Rheumatology (ACR) classification criteria) from a rheumatology outpatient clinic received contrast-enhanced MR imaging (1.5T) and physical examination of the right interphalangeal finger joints 2-5 at baseline and at follow-up 2 years later. MR images were scored paired in unknown time order, following the Hand OA MRI scoring system (HOAMRIS). Joint pain upon palpation was assessed by research nurses. Odds ratios (ORs; 95% confidence intervals) were estimated on joint level (n = 680), using generalized estimating equations (GEE) to account for the within patient effects. Additional adjustments were made for change in MR-defined osteophytes, synovitis, and bone marrow lesions (BMLs).

RESULTS

Of 116 painful joints at baseline, at follow-up: 76 had less pain, 21 less synovitis, and 13 less BMLs. A decrease in synovitis (OR = 5.9; 1.12─31.0), but not in BMLs (OR = 0.39; 0.10─1.50), was associated with less pain. Of 678 joints without maximum baseline pain, at follow-up: 115 had increased pain, 132 increased synovitis, 96 increased BMLs, and 44 increased osteophytes. Increased synovitis (OR = 1.81; 1.11─2.94), osteophytes (OR = 2.75; 1.59─4.8), but not BMLs (OR = 1.14; 0.81─1.60), was associated with increased pain. Through stratification it became apparent that BMLs were mainly acting as effect modifier of the synovitis-pain association.

CONCLUSION

Decrease in MR-defined synovitis is associated with reduced joint pain, identifying synovitis as a possible target for treatment of finger OA.

Assessment of osteoarthritic features in the thumb base with the newly developed OMERACT magnetic resonance imaging scoring system is a valid addition to standard radiography

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the construct validity of the new thumb base OA magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scoring system (TOMS) by comparing TOMS scores with radiographic scores in patients with primary hand OA.

DESIGN

In 200 patients (83.5% women, mean (SD) age 61.0 (8.4) years), postero-anterior radiographs and MR scans (1.5 T) of the right first carpometacarpal (CMC-1) and scaphotrapeziotrapezoid (STT) joints, were scored using the OARSI atlas and TOMS, respectively. The distributions of the TOMS scores (specified in results section) were stratified for the OARSI scores of corresponding radiographic features and investigated using boxplots and non-parametric tests. Furthermore, Spearman's rank or Phi correlation coefficients (ρ/φ) were calculated.

RESULTS

For all features, especially for erosions and osteophytes, the prevalence found with MRI was higher than with radiography. TOMS osteophyte and cartilage loss scores differed statistically significant between corresponding OARSI scores in CMC-1 (0 vs 1; 1 vs 2). TOMS scores were positively correlated with radiographic scores in CMC-1 for osteophytes (coefficient [95% confidence interval], ρ = 0.75 [0.69; 0.81]), cartilage loss/joint space narrowing (ρ = 0.70 [0.62; 0.76]), subchondral bone defects (SBDs)/erosion-cyst (ρ = 0.41 [0.29; 0.52]), bone marrow lesions (BMLs)/subchondral sclerosis (ρ = 0.65 [0.56; 0.73]) and subluxation (φ = 0.65 [0.57; 0.73]); and in STT for osteophytes (ρ = 0.30 [0.17; 0.42]) and cartilage loss/joint space narrowing (ρ = 0.53 [0.42; 0.62]).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with hand OA, TOMS scores positively correlated with radiographic scores, indicating good construct validity. However, the prevalence of features on MR images was higher compared to radiographs, suggesting that TOMS might be more sensitive than radiography. The clinical meaning of these extra MR detected cases is currently still unknown.

Is it Useful to Repeat Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Sacroiliac Joints After Three Months or One Year in the Diagnosis of Patients With Chronic Back Pain and Suspected Axial Spondyloarthritis?

Objective

To investigate the value of repeated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the sacroiliac (SI) joints in diagnosing chronic back pain patients in whom axial spondyloarthritis (SpA) is suspected and to examine determinants of positive MRI findings in SI joints.

Methods

Patients with chronic back pain (duration 3 months–2 years, age ≥16 years, age at onset <45 years) with ≥1 SpA feature who were included in the Spondyloarthritis Caught Early cohort underwent visits at baseline, at 3 months, and at 1 year. Visits included an evaluation of all SpA features and repeated MRI of SI joints. MRI‐detected axial SpA positivity (according to the definition from the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society) was evaluated by 2 or 3 well‐trained readers who were blinded with regard to clinical information. The likelihood of a positive MRI finding at follow‐up visits (taking into consideration contributing factors) was calculated by generalized estimating equation analysis.

Results

Of the 188 patients, 38.3% were male, the mean ± SD age was 31.0 ± 8.2 years, and the mean ± SD symptom duration was 13.2 ± 7.1 months. Thirty‐one patients (16.5%) had positive MRI findings in the SI joints at baseline. After 3 months and after 1 year, the MRI results had changed from positive to negative in 3 of 27 patients (11.1%) and 11 of 29 patients (37.9%), respectively, which was attributable in part to the initiation of anti–tumor necrosis factor therapy. Status changes from negative to positive were seen in 5 of 116 patients (4.3%) after 3 months and in 10 of 138 patients (7.2%) after 1 year. HLA–B27 positivity and male sex were independent determinants of the likelihood of a positive MRI scan at any time point (42% in HLA–B27+ men and 6% in HLA–B27− women). If the baseline results were negative, the likelihood of a positive scan at follow‐up was very low (≤7%).

Conclusion

MRI‐detected status changes in the SI joints were seen in a minority of the patients, and both male sex and HLA–B27 positivity were important predictors of MRI positivity. Our findings indicate that conducting MRI scans after 3 months or after 1 year in patients with suspected early axial SpA is not diagnostically useful.

In thumb base osteoarthritis structural damage is more strongly associated with pain than synovitis

OBJECTIVE

Osteoarthritis in thumb base joints (first carpometacarpal (CMC-1), scaphotrapeziotrapezoid (STT)) is prevalent and disabling, yet focussed studies are scarce. Our aim was to investigate associations between ultrasonographic and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) inflammatory features, radiographic osteophytes, and thumb base pain in hand osteoarthritis patients.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional analyses were performed in cohorts with MRI (n = 202) and ultrasound measurements (n = 87). Pain upon thumb base palpation was assessed. Radiographs were scored for CMC-1/STT osteophytes. Synovial thickening, effusion and power Doppler signal in CMC-1 joints were assessed with ultrasound. MRIs were scored for synovitis and bone marrow lesions (BMLs) in CMC-1 and STT joints using OMERACT-TOMS. Associations between ultrasound/MRI features, osteophytes, and thumb base pain were assessed. Interaction between MRI features and osteophytes was explored.

RESULTS

In 289 patients (mean age 60.2, 83% women) 139/376 thumb bases were painful. Osteophyte presence was associated with pain (MRI cohort: odds ratio (OR) 5.1 (2.7-9.8)). Ultrasound features were present in 25-33% of CMC-1 joints, though no associations were seen with pain. MRI-synovitis and BMLs grade ≥2 were scored in 25% and 43% of thumb bases, and positively associated with pain (OR 3.6 (95% CI 1.7-7.6) and 3.0 (1.6-5.5)). Associations attenuated after adjustment for osteophyte presence. Combined presence of osteophytes and MRI-synovitis had an additive effect.

CONCLUSIONS

Ultrasonographic and MRI inflammatory features were often present in the thumb base. Osteophytes were more strongly associated with thumb base pain than inflammatory features, in contrast to findings in finger OA studies, supporting thumb base osteoarthritis as a distinct phenotype.

Comparison of histological and morphometrical changes underlying subchondral bone abnormalities in inflammatory and degenerative musculoskeletal disorders: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

Subchondral bone abnormalities (SBAs) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are observed frequently and associated with disease course in various musculoskeletal disorders. This review aims to map the existing knowledge of their underlying histological features, and to identify needs for future research.

DESIGN

We conducted a systematic review following PRISMA guidelines until September 2017, including all studies correlating histological features to on MRI defined SBAs in patients with osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), spondyloarthritis (SpA) and degenerative disc disease (DDD). Two authors independently retrieved articles and assessed study quality.

RESULTS

A total of 21 studies (466 patients) correlated histological features to SBAs in OA (n = 13), RA (n = 3), ankylosing spondylitis (AS) (n = 1) and DDD (n = 4). Reported changes in OA were substitution of normal subchondral bone with fibrosis and necrosis, and increased bone remodeling. In contrast, in RA, AS or DDD fibrosis was not reported and SBAs correlated to an increase in inflammatory cell number. In DDD necrosis was observed. Similar to OA, increased bone remodeling was shown in RA and DDD. The risk of bias assessment showed a lack in described patient criteria, blinding and/or adequate topographic correlation in approximately half of studies. There was heterogeneity regarding the investigated histological features between the different disorders.

CONCLUSIONS

Current studies suggest that SBAs correlate to various histological features, including fibrosis, cell death, inflammation and bone remodeling. In the majority of studies most quality criteria were not met. Future studies should aim for high quality research, and consistency in investigated features between different disorders.

Does the presence of magnetic resonance imaging-detected osteitis at diagnosis with rheumatoid arthritis lower the risk for achieving disease-modifying antirheumatic drug-free sustained remission: results of a longitudinal study

BACKGROUND

Although infrequent, some rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients achieve disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD)-free sustained remission. The absence of RA-specific autoantibodies, such as anticitrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA), is known to be associated with this outcome but further mechanisms underlying the chronic nature of RA are largely unknown. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-detected bone marrow edema (BME), or osteitis, strongly predicts erosive progression and is associated with ACPA positivity. Therefore, we hypothesized that the presence of MRI-detected osteitis is also predictive of not achieving DMARD-free sustained remission and that the presence of osteitis mediates the association between ACPA and DMARD-free sustained remission.

METHODS

A 1.5 T unilateral hand and foot MRI was performed at disease presentation in 238 RA patients, evaluating BME, synovitis, and tenosynovitis (summed as MRI inflammation score). DMARD-free sustained remission, defined as the absence of clinical synovitis after DMARD cessation that persisted during the total follow-up, was assessed (median follow-up 3.8 years). Associations between the different MRI-detected inflammatory features and this outcome were studied. A mediation analysis was performed to study whether the presence of BME mediated the association between ACPA and DMARD-free sustained remission. Finally, patterns of MRI-detected inflammation with regard to DMARD-free sustained remission were studied using partial least squares (PLS) regression.

RESULTS

Forty-six (19.3%) patients achieved DMARD-free sustained remission. ACPA positivity associated independently with remission (hazard ratio (HR) 0.16, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.06-0.39). In contrast, no associations were observed between MRI-detected BME (HR 0.99, 95% CI 0.94-1.03), or other MRI inflammatory features, and achieving DMARD-free sustained remission. Thus, the presence of BME did not mediate the association between ACPA and DMARD-free sustained remission. Furthermore, a PLS analysis revealed that patients who did or did not achieve remission could not be distinguished by patterns of MRI-detected inflammation.

CONCLUSIONS

At disease presentation, osteitis, as well as other MRI-detected inflammatory features, was not associated with achieving DMARD-free sustained remission over time. Thus, imaging predictors for joint damage and disease persistence differ. The processes mediating RA chronicity remain largely unsolved.

The value of computed tomography in detecting distal radioulnar joint instability after a distal radius fracture

This study evaluated the value of computed tomography scans for the diagnosis of distal radioulnar joint instability. A total of 46 patients, conservatively treated for a unilateral distal radius fracture, were evaluated. Clinical instability was tested using the stress test and clunk test. A computed tomography scan of both wrists was performed in pronation and supination. Two independent observers reviewed the computed tomography scans using: the radioulnar line, subluxation ratio, epicentre and radioulnar ratio methods. Radiological distal radioulnar joint instability was assessed by comparing the measurements of the injured wrist with those of the contralateral uninjured wrists. A total of 22 patients had clinical instability of whom 12 suffered from pain in the injured wrist. Distal radioulnar joint instability was diagnosed on computed tomography in 29 patients. Reliability analysis between clinical and radiological evaluations showed at best moderate, but generally poor agreement. The diagnostic ability of computed tomography for identifying distal radioulnar joint instability seems limited.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

Prevalence and clinical significance of lumbosacral transitional vertebra (LSTV) in a young back pain population with suspected axial spondyloarthritis: results of the SPondyloArthritis Caught Early (SPACE) cohort

OBJECTIVE

To determine in a cohort of young patients with suspected axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), the prevalence of lumbosacral transitional vertebra (LSTV), its association with local bone marrow edema (BME) and lumbar spine degeneration, and the potential relationship with MRI findings and clinical signs of axSpA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Baseline imaging studies and clinical information of patients from the SPondyloArthritis Caught Early-cohort (back pain ≥3 months, ≤2 years, onset <45 years) were used. Two independent readers assessed all patients for LSTV on radiography, and BME-like and degenerative changes on MRI. Patients with and without LSTV were compared with regard to the prevalence of MRI findings and the results of clinical assessment using Chi-squared test or t test.

RESULTS

Of 273 patients (35.1% male, mean age 30.0), 68 (25%) patients showed an LSTV, without statistical significant difference between patients with and without axSpA (p = 0.327). Local sacral BME was present in 9 out of 68 (13%) patients with LSTV and absent in patients without LSTV (p < 0.001). Visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score and spinal mobility assessments were comparable.

CONCLUSIONS

LSTV is of low clinical relevance in the early diagnosis of axSpA. There is no difference between patients with and without LSTV regarding the prevalence of axSpA, pain and spinal mobility, and a BME-like pattern at the pseudoarticulation does not reach the SI joints.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Detected Features of Inflammation and Erosions in Symptom-Free Persons From the General Population

OBJECTIVE

The use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-detected inflammation and joint damage in the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis is recommended by a European League Against Rheumatism imaging task force. This recommendation is based on the sensitivity of MRI and not on specificity. Knowledge of the prevalence of MRI-detected features in symptom-free persons, however, is pivotal when considering MRI for diagnostic purposes.

METHODS

From November 2013 to December 2014, 196 symptom-free persons of different ages were recruited from the general population. Inclusion criteria were no history of inflammatory arthritis, no joint symptoms during the previous month, and no clinically detectable arthritis on physical examination. Contrast-enhanced MRIs of the dominant metacarpophalangeal (MCP), wrist, and metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints were obtained using a 1.5T scanner and scored by 2 readers for synovitis, bone marrow edema, tenosynovitis, and erosions. For analyses at the joint level, MRI-detected inflammation was considered present if both readers scored the image as positive.

RESULTS

Of 193 persons scanned (ages 19-89 years), only 28% had no single inflammatory feature and 22% had no erosions. Primarily low-grade features were observed. All MRI features were positively correlated with age (P < 0.001). Preferential locations for synovitis were MCP2, MCP3, the wrists, and MTP1. Bone marrow edema was frequently present in MCP3, the scaphoid, and MTP1. Tenosynovitis was infrequent, except for in the extensor carpi ulnaris. Preferential locations for erosions were MCP2, MCP3, MCP5, the distal ulna, MTP1, and MTP5. Tables with age-, location-, and inflammation type-dependent frequencies were constructed. Simultaneous colocalized presence of synovitis, bone marrow edema, tenosynovitis, or erosions occurred.

CONCLUSION

MRI-detected inflammation and erosions are prevalent in symptom-free persons from the general population, especially at older ages and at preferential locations.

Bone marrow lesions and synovitis on MRI associate with radiographic progression after 2 years in hand osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVE

To study the association of magnetic resonance (MR) features with radiographic progression of hand osteoarthritis over 2 years.

METHODS

Of 87 primary patients with hand osteoarthritis (82% women, mean age 59 years), baseline distal and proximal interphalangeal joint contrast-enhanced MR images were scored 0-3 for bone marrow lesions (BMLs) and synovitis following the Oslo score. Baseline and 2-year follow-up radiographs were scored following Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) (0-4) and OsteoArthritis Research Society International (OARSI) scoring methods (0-3 osteophytes, joint space narrowing (JSN)). Increase ≥1 defined progression. Associations between MR features and radiographic progression were explored on joint and on patient level, adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, synovitis and BML. Joints in end-stage were excluded.

RESULTS

Of 696 analysed joints, 324 had baseline KL=0, 28 KL=4 and after 2 years 78 joints progressed. BML grade 2/3 was associated with KL progression (2/3 vs 0: adjusted risk ratio (RR) (95% CI) 3.3 (2.1 to 5.3)) and with osteophyte or JSN progression, as was synovitis. Summated scores were associated with radiographic progression on patient level (RR crude BML 1.08 (1.01 to 1.2), synovitis 1.09 (1.04 to 1.1), adjusted synovitis 1.08 (1.03 to 1.1)).

CONCLUSIONS

BMLs, next to synovitis, show, already after 2 years, graded associations with radiographic progression, suggesting that both joint tissues could be important targets for therapy.

Bakers' cyst and tibiofemoral abnormalities are more distinctive MRI features of symptomatic osteoarthritis than patellofemoral abnormalities

OBJECTIVE

To investigate which structural MR abnormalities discriminate symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (OA), taking co-occurrence of abnormalities in all compartments into account.

METHODS

The Netherlands Epidemiology of Obesity (NEO) study is a population-based cohort aged 45-65 years. In 1285 participants (median age 56 years, 55% women, median body mass index (BMI) 30 kg/m(2)), MRI of the right knee were obtained. Structural abnormalities (osteophytes, cartilage loss, bone marrow lesions (BMLs), subchondral cysts, meniscal abnormalities, effusion, Baker's cyst) at 9 patellofemoral and tibiofemoral locations were scored following the knee OA scoring system. Symptomatic OA in the imaged knee was defined following the American College of Rheumatology criteria. Logistic ridge regression analyses were used to investigate which structural abnormalities discriminate best between individuals with and without symptomatic OA, crude and adjusted for age, sex and BMI.

RESULTS

Symptomatic knee OA was present in 177 individuals. Structural MR abnormalities were highly frequent both in individuals with OA and in those without. Baker's cysts showed the highest adjusted regression coefficient (0.293) for presence of symptomatic OA, followed by osteophytes and BMLs in the medial tibiofemoral compartment (0.185-0.279), osteophytes in the medial trochlear facet (0.262) and effusion (0.197).

CONCLUSIONS

Baker's cysts discriminate best between individuals with and without symptomatic knee OA. Structural MR abnormalities, especially in the medial side of the tibiofemoral joint and effusion, add further in discriminating symptomatic OA. Baker's cysts may present as a target for treatment.

Effectiveness of exercise therapy for meniscal lesions in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

This study evaluated the effectiveness of exercise therapy in patients with meniscal lesions.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

Nine databases were searched up to July 2015, including EMBASE and Medline OvidSP. Randomized and controlled clinical trials in adults with traumatic or degenerative meniscal lesions were considered for inclusion. Interventions had to consist of exercise therapy in non-surgical patients or after meniscectomy, and had to be compared with meniscectomy, no exercise therapy, or to a different type of exercise therapy. Primary outcomes were pain and function on short term (≤3 months) and long term (>3 months). Two researchers independently selected the studies, assessed the risk of bias, and extracted data.

RESULTS

Of the 1415 identified articles 14 articles describing 12 studies were included; all had some concerns about the risk of bias. There was no significant difference between exercise therapy and meniscectomy for pain (MD 0.27 [-4.30,4.83]) and function (SMD -0.32 [-0.68,0.03]). After meniscectomy, there was conflicting evidence for the effectiveness of exercise therapy when compared to no exercise therapy for pain and function. There was no significant difference between various types of exercise therapy for pain (MD 19.30 [-6.60,45.20]) and function (SMD 0.01 [-0.27,0.28]).

CONCLUSIONS

Exercise therapy and meniscectomy yielded comparable results on pain and function. Exercise therapy compared to no exercise therapy after meniscectomy showed conflicting evidence at short term, but was more effective on function at long term. The preferable type/frequency/intensity of exercise therapy remains unclear. The strength of the evidence was low to very low.

[Persistent shoulder symptoms in calcific tendinitis: clinical and radiological predictors]

OBJECTIVE

We assessed the most important demographics and radiological characteristics at the time of diagnosis of rotator cuff calcific tendinitis (RCCT), and their associations with long-term clinical outcome.

DESIGN

Observational study.

METHOD

Baseline characteristics and treatment were evaluated in 342 patients in whom RCCT had been diagnosed. Interobserver agreement of the radiological investigations was analysed. Patients were sent a general questionnaire and 2 shoulder questionnaires, the "Western Ontario rotator cuff" (WORC) and the "Disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand" (DASH) for evaluation of long-term clinical outcome. Associations between baseline characteristics and long-term outcomes were analysed using logistic regression.

RESULTS

Mean age at diagnosis was 49.0 years (SD = 10.0), and 60% were female. The dominant arm was affected in 66%, and 21% had bilateral RCCT. Calcifications were on average 18.7 mm in size (SD = 10.1, ICC = 0.84 (p < 0.001)) and located 10.1 mm (SD = 11.8) medially to the acromion (ICC = 0.77 (p < 0.001)). 32% of the calcifications had a Gärtner type I classification (κ: 0.47 (p<0.001)). After a mean follow-up of 14 years (SD =7.1), median WORC score was 72.5 (range: 3.0-100.0) and median DASH score 17.0 (range: 0.0-82.0). Female gender, dominant arm involvement, bilateral disease, longer duration of symptoms at presentation, and presence of multiple calcifications were associated with inferior long-term outcomes.

CONCLUSION

RCCT is not self-limiting. Radiological variations have no significant predictive value. We identified specific prognostic factors for inferior long-term outcome; more intensive follow-up and treatment should be considered in patients with these characteristics.