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Baker's cyst is the most common mass located in the back side of the knee, the popliteal fossa, in patients with degenerative and inflamatory disease of the knee. Popliteal mass may also be due to proliferation of adipose tissue, popliteal artery aneurysm, thrombotic vein, or tumor. These lesions are rarer and may easily be misinterpreted as cysts. We show a man with rheumatoid arthritis who is presenting a palpable mass in the popliteal fossa. Ultrasonography examination demostrated a popliteal artery aneurysms., (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier España, S.L. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: To obtain experiences and expert opinion on treatment of SSc patients with TNF-α antagonists., Methods: An investigation was carried out among the EUSTAR centres into their expertise on use of TNF-α antagonists. Assessment forms on the frequency of TNF-α inhibitor use were distributed to EULAR Scleroderma Trials and Research Group (EUSTAR) centres. Afterwards, a three round Delphi exercise was performed to obtain expert consensus on the use of TNF-α inhibitors in SSc., Results: Seventy-nine centres returned information on use of TNF-α antagonists in SSc patients. A total of 65 patients were treated with TNF-α inhibitors in 14 different centres. Forty-eight of the 65 patients treated with TNF-α inhibitors improved. Improvement was mainly seen in patients with arthritis, whereas the effects on fibrosis varied. In the first round of the subsequent Delphi approach, 71 out of 79 experts stated that they would use TNF-α antagonists in SSc. Arthritis was suggested as an indication for TNF-α antagonists by 75% of the experts. However, after the third stage of the Delphi exercise, the acceptance for the off-label use of TNF-α antagonists decreased and 59% recommended that TNF-α antagonists should not be used or only used in clinical trials in SSc patients, while 38% of the experts suggested the use of TNF-α antagonists for arthritis associated with SSc., Conclusions: Most of the experts do not recommend the routine use of TNF-α antagonists in systemic sclerosis. Arthritis might be a potential indication in SSc, although controlled clinical trials with TNF-α antagonists are needed before general recommendations can be given.

Streptococcus agalactiae (S agalactiae) is a germ habitually associated with infections in neonates and women during the pregnancy and the immediate puerperiumum. S. agalactiae has also been related with bacteriemias, endocarditis and bone, joint, skin and soft tissues infections in adults with concomitant diseases and even in immunocompetent patients. In the last years more than 70 cases of septic arthritis in adults due to this germ have been communicated. We present two cases of axial and peripheral joint infection due to S. agalactiae, comparing finds, treatment and evolution with the cases published until April, 2008., (Copyright © 2008 Elsevier España. Reumatología Clínica ® Sociedad Española de Reumatología and ® Colegio Mexicano de Reumatología. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.)

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) carries a risk of thrombosis and infertility. Consequently the use of any type of hormone therapy and pregnancy in APS requires special considerations. The present article provides a broad review of all these issues. The use of contraception, hormone replacement therapy and selective estrogen receptor modulators in APS are described. In vitro fertilization/embryo transfer and ovarian induction in these patients are reviewed. Lastly, the possible fetal and maternal complications that can occur during pregnancy are described and, based on the literature, recommendations for the management of pregnancy in women with APS are provided., (Copyright © 2006 Elsevier España S.L Barcelona. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.)

Complete heart block (CHB) is a rare complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), mainly seen during an acute flare-up of the disease or after high-dose long-term treatment with antimalarial drugs, although anti-Ro and anti-RNP antibodies have also been implied by some authors. A 40-y-old woman developed CHB in the context of an acute flare-up of SLE, first diagnosed three years ago, having recently commenced hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) treatment. Anti-Ro and anti-RNP antibodies were also positive. No features of myocarditis were found. A temporary pacemaker was required and complete resolution was achieved on steroid therapy with withdrawal of antimalarial therapy. The characteristics of previous cases are well publicised and discussion focuses on the possible aetiology and pathogenesis of the present case.

Prevotella bivia is a gram-negative anaerobic bacteria traditionally classified in the genus Bacteroides, and usually reported in obstetric and gynecologic infections. To date, there has been only one description of infectious arthritis secondary to this germ. We report the first case of septic arthritis due to Prevotella bivia in a patient with severe, long-lasting rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treated with low doses of corticosteroids. RA is a well-known predisposing factor to septic arthritis, whose causes are multifactorial (general immunosuppression induced by the disease and its therapy, presence of prosthetic joints, etc.). However, infectious arthritis due to anaerobic bacteria is rarely observed. In general, clinical presentation varies widely: insidious onset, apyrexia, and lack of inflammatory signs or systemic disturbance are frequent features. Joint infection is generally secondary to hematogenous spread, the Bacteroides fragilis group being the most commonly isolated pathogens. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment, with drainage and debridement of the affected joint and specific antimicrobial treatment with Metronidazole are essential for a successful outcome.

A Behçet's disease patient developed sudden cochlear hearing loss during a flare of her disease. Prednisone and cyclosporin therapy was ineffective, probably because it was initiated late. Sensorineural hearing loss is a rare but underrecognized complication of various forms of vasculitis such as Wegener's granulomatosis, polyarteritis nodosa, giant cell arteritis and Behçet's disease. Its importance lies in the need for an early diagnosis, since prompt treatment with steroids and immunosuppressive agents may lead to restoration of hearing.