Definition Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystem autoimmune disease that results from immune system–mediated tissue damage. The molecular triggers of the disease are not known, but the pathogenesis involves the production of autoantibodies specific for nucleic acids and nucleic…
Common Features of Spondyloarthritis Definition Spondyloarthritis encompasses a group of clinical syndromes that are linked in terms of disease manifestations and genetic susceptibility. The clinical subsets most commonly recognized are ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, reactive arthritis, and enteropathic arthritis (…
Definition Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic systemic inflammatory disease of unknown etiology that primarily targets synovial tissues. The primary target of rheumatoid arthritis is the joint, but systemic inflammation is thought to be responsible for a variety of coexistent comorbid…
Definition An array of painful and sometimes disabling musculoskeletal syndromes exist that are not articular in origin but arise from tendons, ligaments, enthesis, and bursae. These conditions are referred to by various names, in addition to tendinosis, enthesopathy, and bursitis,…
Definition Osteoarthritis is characterized by failed repair of synovial joint tissues after intra-articular stress. The resulting breakdown of cartilage and bone can lead to symptoms of pain, stiffness, and functional disability. However, synovial joint pathology and structural changes on imaging…
Definition The systemic autoinflammatory diseases ( Table 240-1 ) are a group of disorders that are characterized by seemingly unprovoked inflammation, without evidence of high-titer pathogenic autoantibodies or antigen-specific T cells, thereby distinguishing them from the more classic autoimmune diseases.…
Mucopolysaccharidoses Definition Proteoglycans are ubiquitous components of the extracellular matrix and the surfaces of cells, and they are among the largest and most complex of human molecules. Proteoglycans consist of a protein core to which are covalently bound glycosaminoglycans (GAGs;…
Advanced rheumatic disorders usually can be well characterized by conventional imaging. However, the development of new therapeutic alternatives for the inflammatory arthritides, so-called disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), and chondroprotective strategies for osteoarthrosis require methods to diagnose these diseases at an…
The rheumatic diseases are a diverse group of conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system as well as other organs, where they cause inflammation, damage, and functional impairment. These conditions range from mild joint pain to severe life-threatening manifestations such as…
Definition Rheumatic diseases are disorders of connective tissue in which general or localized inflammation is associated with pain, weakness, or loss of function attributable to joints, the spine, muscles, and/or related soft tissues. Systemic features and extramusculoskeletal features include stiffness,…