Research suggests prednisone treatment can selectively modulate the signatures of regulatory T (Treg) cells, eosinophils and neutrophils in patients with IgG4-related disease. The results show IgG4-related disease may result from an imbalance of immune and inflammatory cells…
Heated Gloves Provide Relief from Hand Pain, Dysfunction in Diffuse Systemic Sclerosis
Raynaud’s phenomenon in scleroderma or systemic sclerosis (SSc) is associated with significant discomfort and functional disability, especially in the presence of digital ulcers.1 Having lived with diffuse systemic sclerosis (dSSc) for nearly a decade, I can attest to this. It has been my experience that the hand pain and dysfunction in dSSc stems from Raynaud’s…
Diagnostic Imaging in Patient with Chronic Left Ankle Pain: History
Editor’s note: In this recurring feature, we first present a series of images (this page) for your review, and then a brief discussion of the findings and diagnosis. Before you turn to the discussion, examine these images carefully and draw your own conclusions. History A 49-year-old woman presents with one year of chronic left ankle…
Diagnostic Imaging in Patient with Chronic Left Ankle Pain: Findings
Radiographic imaging showed circumferential soft tissue swelling of the ankle with a soft-tissue density seen in the tibiotalar and posterior subtalar joints, as well as a large, lobulated effusion. MRI of the left ankle shows cystic changes within the talus and first cuneiform bones, as well as a lobulated abnormal soft tissue density with low…
Trying to Parse True Meaning of Pain Can Be Challenging for Rheumatologists
Discussing aching joints, sore muscles and tender limbs is all in our day’s work. We are rheumatologists; we deal in misery. But trying to parse the true meaning of these terms is among the most vexing of clinical challenges.