Search

Quality standards (QS) are measurable constructs designed to quantify gaps in care and subsequently to improve quality of care. The Assessment of SpondyloArthritis International Society (ASAS) recently generated and published international QS for the management of patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) for the first time. The German Society of Rheumatology (DGRh) then decided to translate, review and possibly adopt these standards by a group of experts from different care settings. Against this background, national QS for the management of patients with axSpA for Germany were developed for the first time. The main focus was on feasibility and practical relevance. Ultimately, nine QS were defined with which the quality of care in Germany can and should be measured and improved., (© 2021. The Author(s).)

Background: Medication-based strategies to treat rheumatoid arthritis are crucial in terms of outcome. They aim at preventing joint destruction, loss of function and disability by early and consistent inhibition of inflammatory processes., Objective: Achieving consensus about evidence-based recommendations for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs in Germany., Methods: Following a systematic literature research, a structured process among expert rheumatologists was used to reach consensus., Results: The results of the consensus process can be summed up in 6 overarching principles and 10 recommendations. There are several new issues compared to the version of 2012, such as differentiated adjustments to the therapeutic regime according to time point and extent of treatment response, the therapeutic goal of achieving remission as assessed by means of the simplified disease activity index (SDAI) as well as the potential use of targeted synthetic DMARDs (JAK inhibitors) and suggestions for a deescalating in case of achieving a sustained remission. Methotrexate still plays the central role at the beginning of the treatment and as a combination partner in the further treatment course. When treatment response to methotrexate is inadequate, either switching to or combining with another conventional synthetic DMARD is an option in the absence of unfavourable prognostic factors. Otherwise biologic or targeted synthetic DMARDs are recommended according to the algorithm. Rules for deescalating treatment with glucocorticoids and-where applicable-DMARDs give support for the management of patients who have reached a sustained remission., Discussion: The new guidelines set up recommendations for RA treatment in accordance with the treat-to-target principle. Modern disease-modifying drugs, now including also JAK inhibitors, are available in an algorithm.

Following the EULAR recommendations published in 2010 German guidelines for the medical treatment of rheumatoid arthritis were developed based on an update of the systematic literature search and expert consensus. Methotrexate is the standard treatment option at the time of diagnosis, preferably in combination with low dose glucocorticoids. Combined disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARD) therapy should be considered in patients not responding within 12 weeks. Treatment with biologicals should be initiated in patients with persistent high activity no later than 6 months after conventional treatment and in exceptional situations (e.g. early destruction or unfavorable prognosis) even earlier. If treatment with biologicals remains ineffective, changing to another biological is recommended after 3-6 months. In cases of long-standing remission a controlled reduction of medical treatment can be considered.

Doppler ultrasound is able to visualize blood flow by the change in frequency (Doppler shift) of sound waves which are reflected by moving blood cells inside the vessels (Doppler effect). As hyperemia caused by vasodilatation and angiogenesis is the earliest detectable pathologic change in the beginning of synovitis, Doppler ultrasonography can be used to assess inflammatory activity. Several studies could show a strong correlation between magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as well as histological findings (blood vessel density) and Doppler sonographic determination of synovial perfusion. Equipment settings must be adapted to slow blood flow in very small blood vessels to reach an appropriate imaging quality. Color and power Doppler ultrasound can depict different grades of intra-articular and peritendinous blood flow, which allows an estimation of inflammatory activity and facilitates the differentiation and monitoring of rheumatic diseases during follow up.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as a cross-sectional imaging procedure allows a three-dimensional representation of musculature, ligaments, tendons, capsules, synovial membranes, bones and cartilage with high resolution quality. An activity assessment is further possible by application of a contrast medium (gadolinium-DTPA) to differentiate between active and chronic inflammatory processes. Evidence of a bone marrow edema detected by MRI in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can be interpreted as a prognostic and predictive factor for the development of bone erosions. On the basis of these advantages MRI is being employed more and more in the early diagnosis of inflammatory joint diseases. Semi-quantitative scores for analysis and grading of findings have already been developed and are in clinical use. Because MRI technical performances are invariably reproducible they can be practically retrieved in the course of examination which is particularly relevant in rheumatology. Therapy response or progression can thus be adequately displayed. Open, dedicated low-field MRI with a low signal strength of 0.2 Tesla (T) has been known since the 90s and now represents new MRI examination options in rheumatology. Smaller devices with lower acquisition and maintenance expenses as well as considerably more convenience due to the device itself result in a higher subjective acceptability by the patients as well as objectively more data records of low-field MRI scans of RA, which underline the significance of this new technical method. The German Society for Rheumatology (DGRh), represented by the Committee for "Diagnostic Imaging", meets this development with the release of recommendations and standards for the procedures of low-field MRI and their scoring and summarizes the most important technical data and information on clinical indications.

Purpose: Besides the use of conventional x-rays in the diagnostic work-up of initial changes in patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis (RA), 3-phase bone scintigraphy (3P-Sz) is as well established as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic value of ultrasound of the hands with proven methods such as conventional x-rays, low-field MRI and 3P-Sz., Methods: A total of 30 patients were studied using a 1 day protocol with ultrasound, 3P-Sz, MRI and x-ray of the hands. Images were visually assessed by two blinded nuclear medicine physicians and radiologists and classified as RA typical and non-RA typical changes. All methods were compared to the summarized findings interpreted by a rheumatologist after 2 years., Results: Of the 30 patients, 19 presented with clinical symptoms of initial changes due to rheumatoid arthritis. Ultrasound revealed 14/19 patients with the correct diagnosis. Conventional x-rays indicated 11/19 patients, while 3P-Sz (100%) and low-field MRI (95%) showed high sensitivity. It was possible to differentiate between inflammation and inconspicuous findings., Conclusions: An experienced examiner can use ultrasound effectively for the initial diagnosis of RA. Based on its low cost, ultrasound is a valid alternative to conventional x-rays.

Conventional radiography is still the standard method of imaging in PsA since it displays many joints at the same time, thereby allowing different types of joint involvement to be recognized. Moreover, thanks to the high resolution of radiography, bony changes in a single joint are depicted in a brilliant way. Several features of psoriatic arthritis allow the distinction from rheumatoid arthritis, including the frequent involvement of the distal interphalangeal joints, asymmetry of joint involvement, axial involvement of finger joints, oligoarticular involvement; however, symmetric polyarthritis is also possible. At the level of the single joint, there are signs of severe destructive changes potentially leading to mutilation and at the same time signs of periostal bone proliferation and ankylosis may be present. Bony proliferation and/or osteolysis are not restricted to the joint region but can affect also the total phalanx with bone apposition or concentric osteolysis which may lead to a complete disappearance of phalanxes. For purposes of quantification of radiographic changes scoring methods are used that were originally developed for rheumatoid arthritis. So far, there is only one validated scoring method that was specifically designed for PsA and that takes into account both features of PsA, damage as well as proliferation of bone. In contrast to conventional radiography, MRI and sonography are able to visualize inflammatory processes within the soft tissue (joint capsules, tendon sheaths, tendon insertions, etc.), allowing an estimation of disease activity. Scintigraphy is nonspecific and can only be used to detect clinically silent inflammatory spots. The relatively frequent spinal (axial) involvement is similar to that seen in ankylosing spondylitis. However, unilateral sacroiliitis, asymmetry of syndesmophytes and development of parsyndesmophytes may distinguish PsA from ankylosing spondylitis. While conventional radiography demonstrates the bony consequences of inflammation in the spine, MRI also shows the active inflammatory changes in sacroiliacal joints and vertebrae.

Conventional radiography, ultrasonography (US), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography, and scintigraphy are imaging techniques in use for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Conventional radiography of the hands and the forefeet should be performed every 6 to 12 months in the first two years, and every 12 to 24 months after two years, in search of erosions. If radiography fails to detect erosions, radiography using a second plane should be done. US or MRI may be used to detect earlier erosions if therapeutic consequences exist. In severe RA, radiography of the cervical spine in the neutral position and with inclination should be performed every 3 to 4 years. MRI should be done, if the distance between atlas and dens is >4 mm. Scintigraphy is indicated if arthralgia occurs in many joints. US may detect or exclude inflammatory changes if arthralgia occurs in a few joints. Single symptomatic joints may be assessed by US to differentiate pathologies. Radiography aids in establishing a differential diagnosis, e. g., to detect osteoarthritis. MRI is indicated if the radiography or US is equivocal. It is indicated to diagnose osteonecrosis or meniscal lesions. Arthrocenthesis may be done without imaging or under radiographic or sonographic guidance.

Hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) is the most common autosomal recessive disorder in populations of caucasian origin with a prevalence of 1 : 200-400 for homozygous patients. Currently, 4 types of HH are distinguished. The classical and most common form is type 1 hemochromatosis which is characterized by HFE gene mutations on chromosome 6. The disease results from an excessive iron absorption leading to multiple manifestations such as hepatomegaly, diabetes mellitus, cardiomyopathy, infertility, and hepatic fibrosis/cirrhosis if untreated. A distinct clinical feature of hemochromatosis is represented by involvement of the joints (arthropathy of hemochromatosis) which occurs frequently and often before iron overload is present. Severity of arthropathy usually does not correlate with the extent of iron overload. In contrast to most other manifestations, it is not improved by iron depletion but can be treated symptomatically. This review outlines clinical aspects as well as pathogenesis, diagnosis and therapy of the disease.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is currently the most modern and, at the same time, most technically advanced instrument of sectional imaging in diagnostic radiology. MRI is superior to other radiological procedures because of its excellent soft-tissue contrast, the possibility of multiplanar imaging and the missing of ionizing radiation. Exact differentiation and imaging of soft tissue and bony alterations is of significant evidence in early diagnosis and monitoring of inflammatory joint diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Besides securing of technical quality management, the physician's qualification in indication, conduction and evaluation of MRI plays a pivotal role. This development of MRI for rheumatological purposes needs standardized recommendations and investigation protocols, which are now summarized and presented by the rheumatologists and radiologists of the study group of "diagnostic imaging procedures" of the German Society for Rheumatology (DGRh).

Musculoskeletal ultrasonography has become an important diagnostic tool in rheumatoid arthritis. In Germany it is part of the rheumatology training, and many ultrasound courses provide further education. Only in the last five years the international importance of ultrasound in rheumatology has increased dramatically. Sonography can be performed as a bedside procedure and as an extension of the clinical investigation. It is easily tolerated by the patients, and it can be repeated any time. Sonography can have a great impact on therapeutic decisions. A > or = 5 MHz linear transducer is needed. Most transducers that are used for musculoskeletal ultrasound have about 7.5 MHz. Modern transducers with higher frequencies (>7.5 MHz) and high resolution improve the diagnostic value of the investigation. Sonography is superior to plain radiography to detect erosions as far as the region is accessible by ultrasound. It is more sensitive than the clinical investigation for the detection of synovitis, tenosynovitis, tendinitis, and bursitis as well as for the differentiation of these lesions. Color Doppler sonography aids in evaluating the activity of inflammation and in differentiating intraarticular structures. Carpal- and ulnar neuropathy occur secondary to rheumatoid arthritis and may lead to characteristic nerve swelling. Ultrasound-guided injections into joints and tendon sheets can be performed.

Besides rheumatoid arthritis, seronegative spondyloarthropathies are one of the most common inflammatory musculoskeletal diseases. The main clinical manifestations are spondylitis and sacroiliitis, but peripheral arthritis and involvement of other organ systems are known as well. The typical ankylosis of the spine is resulting in a marked loose of the functional capacity. During the course of disease, work disability is progressing and finally the patient may become permanent disabled. Patients with ankylosing spondylitis can be viewed by experts for several reasons. To guarantee an objective medical expert view, a detailed clinical examination and use of clinical indices are mandatory.

During the last two decades, sonography has become more and more important in the diagnosis of rheumatic diseases. With the development of high-frequency realtime transducers, detailed images of the musculoskeletal system can be provided. Furthermore, sonography or echocardiography is able to detect systemic manifestations of connective tissue diseases. Compared to plain films, which mainly evaluate bony lesions of inflammatory joint diseases, sonography is used to assess non-bony abnormalities (synovial membrane, cartilage, menisci, tendons) and synovial space. Pannus and effusion as indicators of inflammatory rheumatic disease can easily be examined by sonography. However, sonographic findings in rheumatic diseases are mostly nonspecific and can rarely be used to distinguish between different diagnoses, which is sometimes possible using plain x-rays (i.e., pencil-in-cup). Sonography has proven to be a meaningful diagnostic tool in evaluating tumors in subcutaneous tissue or muscles. The diagnostic results of musculoskeletal sonography are today compared to those obtained by computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Although musculoskeletal MRI can visualize bony and non-bony structures at the same time, sonography is still of particular interest in the diagnosis of rheumatic diseases, because it is a noninvasive, widely available, relatively inexpensive imaging modality which can be rapidly performed and repeated.

Osteoid-osteoma is a frequent benign tumor of the bone. In cases with peri- or intraarticular localisation symptoms suggestive of arthritis may occur. We report on a 25-year-old patient with a painful hip during exercise as well as in the night. Conventional radiographs were unremarkable. However, ultrasound and computertomography revealed joint effusion of the hip. Scintigraphic and tomographic findings were compatible with an osteoid osteoma. Histology of the surgically removed tumor confirmed this diagnosis. Moreover, a lympho-follicular synovitis was found.

The diagnosis of chondrocalcinosis is based on typical radiographic findings and synoviaanalysis. We examined 10 patients with chondrocalcinosis to see whether pathognomonic findings of the disease could also be seen by ultrasound. Ultrasound and x-ray findings were compared. Calcifications of the knee menisci were seen by ultrasound in all patients (10/10). Moreover, in three of six patients calcified carpal disci were observed by ultrasound. Joint mouse, exostosis and calcinosis of the capsula could be demonstrated by ultrasound in all instances. In one case the joint mouse was only seen by ultrasound; tomography finally confirmed this diagnosis. Though ultrasound findings in chondrocalcinosis cannot be considered pathognomonic, typical changes of the diseases can be found by this technique. Since ultrasound is a method of increasing interest in rheumatic diseases, those findings may initiate the consideration of the diagnosis.