Search

International audience; Objective: This study aimed to develop (1) a new ultrasound definition for aggregates and (2) a semi-quantitative ultrasound scoring system (0–3) for tophus, double contour and aggregates. Furthermore, the intra- and inter-reader reliabilities of both the re-defined aggregates and the semi-quantitative scoring system were assessed using static image exercises. Methods: Thirty-seven rheumatologists were invited. A Delphi process was used for re-defining aggregates and for selecting a semi-quantitative scoring system with >75% agreement obligate for reaching consensus. Subsequently, a web-based exercise on static ultrasound images was conducted in order to assess the reliability of both the re-defined aggregates and the semi-quantitative scoring system. Results: Twenty rheumatologists contributed to all rounds of the Delphi and image exercises. A consensual re-definition of aggregates was obtained after three Delphi rounds but needed an overarching principle for scoring aggregates in patients. A consensus-based semi-quantitative ultrasound scoring system for gout lesions was developed after two Delphi rounds. The re-definition of aggregates showed good intra- and inter-reader reliability (κ-values 0.71 and 0.61). The reliabilities of the scoring system were good for all lesions with slightly higher intra-reader (κ-values 0.74–0.80) than inter-reader reliabilities (κ-values 0.61–0.67). Conclusion: A re-definition of aggregates was obtained with a good reliability when assessing static images. The first consensus-based semi-quantitative ultrasound scoring system for gout-specific lesions was developed with good inter- and intra-reader reliability for all lesions when tested in static images. The next step is to assess the reliabilities when scoring lesions in patients.

Background:Structural damage was identified as an important outcome domain in the Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) Core Domain Set and should be assessed at least once in the development of a new therapeutic.Objectives:To conduct a systematic literature review (SLR) to identify studies addressing the measurement properties (MPs) for ROIs and appraise the evidence through the OMERACT Filter 2.1 Framework Instrument Selection Algorithm (OFISA). [1]Methods:An SLR was conducted in EMBASE and MEDLINE to identify full-text English studies developing or assessing MPs of ROIs in PsA. Determination of eligibility, data extraction and methodology asssessment were performed by 2 reviewers. MPs were rated according to the ‘Provisional Standards’ and assigned a Red/Amber/White/Green (RAWG) rating (Figure 1). [1, 2]Results:3621 references were screened, 531 full-text articles reviewed, and 12 were included (Figure 2). Nine instruments assessing peripheral radiographs and six assessing axial radiographs were identified (Table 1). Three of the nine peripheral radiographic instruments had adequate evidence for reliability and some evidence for construct validity: the modified Steinbrocker, Ratingen, and modified Sharp van der Heijde scores. There was scant evidence for reliability, construct validity and responsiveness for the axial ROIs, compounded by the lack of a standardized definition of axial PsA.Conclusion:This SLR summarizes the MPs of ROIs and identifies relevant knowledge gaps that need to be addressed prior to endorsement of an instrument for the PsA Core Domain Set.References:[1]Richards P and De Wit M, editors. The OMERACT Handbook (March 2019)[2]Mokkink LB and D’Agostino MA. Protocol for performing a systematic review on imaging techniques (unpublished)Figure 1.Criteria for the RAWG RatingFigure 2.PRISMA DiagramTable 1.Summary of Measurement PropertiesROIDomain MatchFeasibilityConstruct ValidityDiscriminationReliabilityResponsivenessInter-raterIntra-raterMeasurement ErrorLongitudinal Construct ValidityClinical Trial DiscriminationThresholds of MeaningOriginal Steinbrocker ScoreA[1]A[1]R[1]Modified Steinbrocker Score#G[2]G[2]A[1]A[2]Modified Larsen ScoreA[1]A[1]A[1]*Ratingen Score#A[1]G[3]G[3]A[3]A[1]mTSS-AA[1]A[1]A[1]mTSS-B#A[1]A[1]A[1]A[1]*mSvdHs#A[2]G[2]G[2]A[1]A[1]*ReXPsAR[0]SPARS#A[1]A[1]A[1]Axial PsA Definition 1MSASSS#A[2]R[0]BASRI - Total#A[2]R[0]PASRI#A[2]R[0]Axial PsA Definition 2MSASSS#A[1]R[1]A[1]A[1]BASRI - Spine#R[1]A[1]A[1]PASRI#A[1]A[1]A[1]Modified NYC#R[1]A[1]RASSS#R[1]A[1]A[1]A = Amber, R = Red, G = Green[Total available studies for synthesis following excluding studies with poor methodology]* RCT data available but no published effect sizes# Feasibility data availableDisclosure of Interests:Anna Antony: None declared, Richard Holland: None declared, Wieneke Mokkink: None declared, Maria-Antonietta d’Agostino: None declared, Walter P Maksymowych Grant/research support from: Received research and/or educational grants from Abbvie, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB, Consultant of: WPM is Chief Medical Officer of CARE Arthritis Limited, has received consultant/participated in advisory boards for Abbvie, Boehringer, Celgene, Eli-Lilly, Galapagos, Gilead, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB, Speakers bureau: Received speaker fees from Abbvie, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB., Heidi Bertheussen: None declared, Lori Schick: None declared, Niti Goel Shareholder of: UCB and Galapagos, Consultant of: VielaBio, Mallinckrodt, and IMMVention, Alexis Ogdie Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Novartis, Consultant of: Abbvie, Amgen, BMS, Celgene, Corrona, Janssen, Lilly, Pfizer, Novartis, Ana-Maria Orbai Grant/research support from: Abbvie, Eli Lilly and Company, Celgene, Novartis, Janssen, Horizon, Consultant of: Eli Lilly; Janssen; Novartis; Pfizer; UCB. Ana-Maria Orbai was a private consultant or advisor for Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc, not in her capacity as a Johns Hopkins faculty member and was not compensated for this service., Pil Hoejgaard: None declared, Laura C Coates: None declared, Vibeke Strand Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Biogen, Celltrion, Consortium of Rheumatology Researchers of North America, Crescendo Bioscience, Eli Lilly, Genentech/Roche, GlaxoSmithKline, Hospira, Janssen, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Sanofi, UCB, Dafna D Gladman Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Amgen Inc., BMS, Celgene Corporation, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB – grant/research support, Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen Inc., BMS, Celgene Corporation, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB – consultant, Robin Christensen: None declared, Ying Ying Leung Speakers bureau: Novartis, Janssen, Eli Lilly, Philip J Mease Grant/research support from: Abbott, Amgen, Biogen Idec, BMS, Celgene Corporation, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, Sun Pharmaceutical, UCB – grant/research support, Consultant of: Abbott, Amgen, Biogen Idec, BMS, Celgene Corporation, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, Sun Pharmaceutical, UCB – consultant, Speakers bureau: Abbott, Amgen, Biogen Idec, BMS, Eli Lilly, Genentech, Janssen, Pfizer, UCB – speakers bureau, William Tillett Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer Inc, UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Celgene, Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, MSD, Pfizer Inc, UCB, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, Celgene, Lilly, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer Inc, UCB

Objective Musculoskeletal ultrasonography (US) has potential in the assessment of disease activity and structural damage in childhood arthritides. In order to assess pathology, the US characteristics of joints in healthy children need to be defined first. The aim of this study was to develop definitions for the various components of the normal pediatric joint. Methods The definitions were developed by an expert group and applicability was assessed on a collection of standardized scans of the knee and ankle joints by scoring the scans on a Likert scale. The definitions were then modified and applicability was reassessed before sending the definitions for approval to a larger panel of experts. A final scoring on stored images of all relevant joints at different ages followed. Results Five definitions were developed addressing the articular bone, cartilage, joint capsule, epiphyseal ossification center, and synovial membrane. In total, 224 US images of knees and ankles were acquired, of which 172 were selected for scoring. An agreement of ≥80% was not met for any of the definitions, but after modifications, 81–97% agreement was reached. This version of the definitions was approved by 15 US experts. In the final validation exercise, all definitions reached an agreement of ≥80% for the shoulder, elbow, wrist, metacarpophalangeal hip, knee, ankle and metatarsophalangeal joint. Conclusion US definitions for the normal pediatric joint were successfully developed through a Delphi process and validated in a practical exercise. These results provide the basis to develop definitions for pathology and to support the standardized use of US in pediatric rheumatology.

Objective To evaluate the metrologic properties of composite disease activity indices in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), utilizing information derived from clinical, gray-scale (GS), and power Doppler (PD) ultrasound examinations, and to assess the classification of patients according to disease activity using such indices. Methods This ancillary study utilized data from a multicenter, prospective, randomized, parallel-group study conducted in subjects with moderate RA randomized to receive etanercept and methotrexate (ETN + MTX) or usual care (various disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs [DMARDs]). In multimodal indices, the 28 swollen joint count was either supplemented or replaced by clinically nonswollen joints in which the presence of synovitis was detected either by GS and/or PD and was calculated according to the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28) or the Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI). Reliability, external validity, and discriminative capacity were calculated at baseline/screening by intraclass correlation coefficient, Pearson's correlation, and standardized response mean, respectively. Results Data from 62 patients (mean ± SD age 53.8 ± 13.2 years, mean ± SD disease duration 8.8 ± 7.7 years, mean ± SD disease activity 4.6 ± 0.5 [DAS28] and 20.9 ± 5.9 [SDAI]) were analyzed, with 32 receiving ETN + MTX and 30 receiving DMARDs. The metrologic properties were at least as good for GS- and/or PD-based indices as for their clinical counterparts. Using GS- and PD-supplemented indices, an additional 67.8% and 32.3% of patients (DAS28-derived and SDAI-derived indices, respectively) could be classified as having high disease activity at the screening visit. Conclusion Multimodal indices incorporating ultrasound and clinical data had similar metrologic properties to their clinical counterparts; certain indices allowed for a significantly larger number of patients to be classified to either high or moderate disease activity at the screening visit.

There is increasing interest in making patient participation an integral component of medical research. However, practical guidance on optimizing this engagement in healthcare is scarce. Since 2002, patient involvement has been one of the key features of the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) international consensus effort. Based on a review of cumulative data from qualitative studies and internal surveys among OMERACT participants, we explored the potential benefits and challenges of involving patient research partners in conferences and working group activities. We supplemented our review with personal experiences and reflections regarding patient participation in the OMERACT process. We found that between 2002 and 2016, 67 patients have attended OMERACT conferences, of whom 28 had sustained involvement; many other patients contributed to OMERACT working groups. Their participation provided face validity to the OMERACT process and expanded the research agenda. Essential facilitators have been the financial commitment to guarantee sustainable involvement of patients at these conferences, procedures for recruitment, selection and support, and dedicated time allocated in the program for patient issues. Current challenges include the representativeness of the patient panel, risk of pseudo-professionalization, and disparity in patients’ and researchers’ perception of involvement. In conclusion, OMERACT has embedded long-term patient involvement in the consensus-building process on the measurement of core health outcomes. This integrative process continues to evolve iteratively. We believe that the practical points raised here can improve participatory research implementation.

Resume L’echographie par Power Doppler a ultrasons (PDUS) ou Doppler puissance a prouve sa sensibilite comme instrument pour evaluer les enthesites dans les spondylarthropathies (SpA). Chez les patients suspects de SpA, le diagnostic peut etre ameliore par la detection des enthesites par le PDUS. Objectifs Evaluer la performance du PDUS pour le diagnostic des SpA, seul ou combine avec les autres resultats cliniques, biologiques ou radiologiques chez les patients consultant pour une suspicion de SpA. Methodes Etude prospective, multicentrique, d’une cohorte francaise (Boulogne-Billancourt, Caen, Grenoble, Marseille et Nancy). Les patients ont ete recrutes en externe et suivis pendant au moins deux ans pour des symptomes suggerant une SpA (rachialgie inflammatoire (RI), arthrite ou arthralgie inflammatoire (AI), enthesite ou dactylite (ED), uveite B 27 positif (B27+U), antecedents familiaux de SpA (fam). La taille de l’echantillon a ete fixee a 500 patients (pour une prevalence estimee de SpA de 30 ± 5 % apres deux ans). Les patients ont ete soumis a un examen clinique standardise, radiographies du bassin, IRM. des articulations sacro-iliaques, typage HLA et tout autre examen juge utile pour le diagnostic. Pour chaque patient, un examen par PDUS en aveugle des 14 sites enthesitiques a ete effectue a l’inclusion et dans l’annee 1 et 2. Il est prevu de suivre les patients pendant cinq ans. Le diagnostic de SpA affirme par un comite d’experts ignorant les resultats du PDUS, apres au moins deux ans de suivi avec une reevaluation des patients douteux a cinq ans, sera utilise comme « gold standard » pour evaluer les performances diagnostiques du PDUS ainsi que la meilleure procedure en combinant les symptomes cliniques et les autres examens. Resultats Entre janvier 2005 et septembre 2007, 489 patients ont ete inclus (96 % de la population cible). Dix-neuf patients (0,2 %) ont retire leur consentement ou ont ete perdus de vue immediatement apres leur inclusion. A l’inclusion, la moyenne des 470 restants etait de 40 ans, la duree moyenne des symptomes de 6,1 ans ; 42 % d’entre eux etaient B27 positifs et 63 % etaient de sexe feminin. Le critere d’inclusion primaire etait une RI dans 53 %, une AI dans 27 %, une ED dans 9 %, U B27+ dans 8 % et fam dans 4 %. Le suivi est toujours en cours. Conclusion Nous avons mis en place une cohorte unique a visee diagnostique qui inclut l’eventail complet des manifestations de la SpA. En utilisant le PDUS nous nous attendons a ameliorer la procedure du diagnostic des SpA.

Objective This study combined ultrasonography of the Achilles tendon enthesis at different stages of spondylarthritis (SpA) with microanatomic studies of normal cadaveric entheses, with the aim of exploring the relationship between bone erosion and new bone formation in enthesitis. Methods Thirty-seven patients with SpA and Achilles tendon enthesitis (20 with early SpA and 17 with chronic SpA) and 10 normal control subjects underwent ultrasound scanning. The presence of bone erosion and spur formation was recorded at 3 sites: the proximal and distal halves of the enthesis and the adjacent calcaneal superior tuberosity. Parallel histologic analysis was performed on cadaveric Achilles tendon entheses to determine whether regional variations in bone density and trabecular architecture in relation to fibrocartilage distribution are related to disease patterns. Results Bone erosion in patients with early SpA occurred at either the proximal insertion or the superior tuberosity (11 of 20 patients; P < 0.001 versus distal enthesis). Very small spurs, which were present almost exclusively at the distal enthesis, were evident in patients with early SpA and in normal control subjects. However, large spurs were evident distally only in patients with chronic SpA (9 of 17 patients, compared with none of 20 patients with early SpA; P < 0.0001). Histologic studies showed that aged normal individuals had small spurs at the corresponding location. The bone-to-marrow ratio was also significantly lower in the regions prone to erosions (P < 0.05). Conclusion Bone erosion in association with Achilles tendon enthesitis in SpA is anatomically uncoupled from bone formation—the 2 processes are topographically and temporally distinct. We thus conclude that disease patterns in SpA are related to normal enthesis structure and biomechanics.

Resume L’echographie grâce a ses perfectionnements recents semble a meme de nous fournir des informations pertinentes pour le diagnostic et la prise en charge des deux rhumatismes inflammatoires les plus frequents : polyarthrite rhumatoide et spondylarthropathies. Dans la polyarthrite rhumatoide les erosions osseuses sont retrouvees plus precocement et en plus grand nombre qu’en radiographie standard. Elle permet egalement de connaitre l’activite de la maladie et de la suivre sous traitement grâce au compte de synovites, et a l’etude de la vascularisation synoviale au Power Doppler. Pour l’etude des enthesites peripheriques, dans les spondylarthropathies, l’echographie parait etre plus objective, plus reproductible et plus sensible que l’examen clinique. La vascularisation des entheses visualisee au Power Doppler semble etre un bon critere de suivi sous traitement. La formation des rhumatologues a cette technique est essentielle, car elle est devenue un examen incontournable pour la prise en charge des rhumatismes inflammatoires en evitant l’utilisation de methodes plus invasive ou plus couteuses.

Objective.The Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) Filter provides guidelines for the development and validation of outcome measures for use in clinical research. The “Truth” section of the OMERACT Filter requires that criteria be met to demonstrate that the outcome instrument meets the criteria for content, face, and construct validity.Methods.Discussion groups critically reviewed a variety of ways in which case studies of current OMERACT Working Groups complied with the Truth component of the Filter and what issues remained to be resolved.Results.The case studies showed that there is broad agreement on criteria for meeting the Truth criteria through demonstration of content, face, and construct validity; however, several issues were identified that the Filter Working Group will need to address.Conclusion.These issues will require resolution to reach consensus on how Truth will be assessed for the proposed Filter 2.0 framework, for instruments to be endorsed by OMERACT.

In order to optimize and standardize musculoskeletal ultrasonography education for rheumatologists, there is a need for competency assessments addressing the required training and practical and theoretical skills. This paper describes how these competency assessments for rheumatologists were developed and what they contain.

Objective: The c.3909C>G (N1303K) is the most frequent mutation after the c.1521_1523delCTT (F508del) in Lebanon. A CFTR gene screening was performed on 10 Lebanese and 5 French CF patients carrying c.3909C>G. Parental studies revealed that all individuals have an association of c.3909C>G (exon 24) with c.869+11C>T (intron 7) in cis, inducing a new complex allele (CA). Since both mutations are located in two distant regions, we studied their combined impact by two plasmid constructions. Method: Firstly, we studied the impact of c.3909C>G on alternative splicing (AS), localization and maturation of the CFTR protein. Secondly, to study the impact of c.869+11C>T on AS, an ex-vivo study will be conducted using a plasmid containing the exon 7 and its flanking introns. After transfection of different type of eukaryotic cells, RNA extraction and RT-PCR, cDNA will be sequenced to verify the possible AS. Results: We showed that c.3909C>G affects the localization and the process. The in-silico study is in favor for a possible role of c.869+11C>T in AS. In fact, the used algorithm human splicing Finder showed that c.869+11C>T might affect the AS since it is located near the donor site. Conclusion: The class II mutation, c.3909C>G, induces mild phenotype with few CFTR on membrane. We suggest that the CA c.[869+11C>T;3909C>G], will act like a class I mutation, explaining the severe phenotype in some c.3909C>G patients. So, the classification of a mutation is not sufficient in a clinical approach, as the possible presence of a CA may alter its the specific effect. Therefore, an individualized approach is required to perform proper diagnostic and treatment when available.

Objective To evaluate the predictive value of tender joints compared to synovitis for structural damage in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods A post hoc analysis was performed on a prospective 2-year study of 59 patients with active RA starting on antitumour necrosis factor (TNF). Tenderness and synovitis was assessed clinically at baseline, followed by blinded ultrasound assessment (B-mode and power Doppler ultrasound (PDUS)) on the hands and feet (2 wrists, 10 metacarpophalangeal, 10 proximal interphalangeal and 10 metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints). Radiographs of these joints were performed at baseline and at 2 years. The risk of radiographic progression with respect to the presence of baseline tenderness or synovitis, as well as its persistence (after 4 months of anti-TNF), was estimated by OR (95% CI). Results Baseline tender joints were the least predictive for radiographic progression (OR=1.53 (95% CI 1.02 to 2.29) p

To investigate which knee and probe position best identifies knee inflammation and to determine a cut-off level for abnormal synovial effusion.18 experienced sonographers (all rheumatologists) performed ultrasound examinations of the knee joint in patients with knee symptoms and in healthy controls. Each sonographer performed longitudinal suprapatellar ultrasound scans using 9 different configurations at each knee: Midline, parapatallar lateral and parapatellar medial from midline in neutral position (0°) with and without quadriceps muscle contraction and in 30° flexion of the knee. The presence of synovial effusion (SE), the effusion measured in millimeters and the presence of synovial hypertrophy (SH) was noted.A total of 298 knees of 149 subjects (129 patients and 20 controls) were examined. The detection of SH is more sensitive and specific than the detection of SE, independently of the knee and probe position, for the final diagnosis of abnormality. The detection of both synovial hypertrophy and effusion in the knee in neutral position (0°) with quadriceps contraction and with the probe in the midline position, are the best independent predictors for knee abnormalities. Knee effusion 3.2 mm measured with the probe in the lateral aspect of the knee is the best diagnostic characteristics for predicting pathological SE.The best combination for detecting SH and SE is obtained by placing the probe in the midline position with the knee in 0° with quadriceps contraction. A cut-off value for pathological effusion may be obtained in the lateral aspect of the knee.ZIEL:: Untersuchung, welche Knie- und Sondenposition eine Knientzündung am besten erkennt und die Bestimmung eines Grenzwertes für das Ausmaß eines abnormalen Synovialergusses.Achtzehn erfahrene Ultraschaller (alles Rheumatologen) führten bei Patienten mit Kniesymptomen sowie gesunden Kontrollprobanden Ultraschalluntersuchungen des Kniegelenks durch. Jeder Ultraschaller führte longitudinale suprapatellare Ultraschalluntersuchungen unter Verwendung von 9 verschiedenen Konfigurationen an jedem Knie durch: Mittellinie, parapatellar lateral, parapatellar medial der Mittellinie in Neutralposition (0°) jeweils mit und ohne muskulärer Anspannung des Quadrizeps und Beugung des Knies um 30°. Festgehalten wurde das Vorhandensein eines Synovialerguss (SE), der Erguss gemessen in Millimetern und das Vorhandensein einer synovialen Hypertrophie (SH).Insgesamt wurden 298 Knie von 149 Personen (129 Patienten und 20 Kontrollen) untersucht. Für die endgültige Diagnose der Anomalie ist der Nachweis einer SH sensitiver und spezifischer als der Nachweis eines SE, unabhängig von der Position des Knies und der Sonde. Die besten unabhängigen Prädiktoren für Knieanomalien sind der Nachweis von sowohl synovialer Hypertrophie als auch eines Ergusses im Knie in der Neutralposition (0°) unter Kontraktion des Quadrizeps und der Sonde in der Mittellinienposition. Das beste diagnostische Kriterium, um einen pathologischen SE vorherzusagen, ist der Knieerguss 3,2 mm gemessen mit der Sonde in der Lateralansicht des Knies.Die beste Kombination, um eine SH und einen SE nachzuweisen, wird durch die Platzierung der Sonde auf der Mittellinienposition mit dem Knie in 0° und unter Quadrizepskontraktion erreicht. Der Grenzwert für einen pathologischen Erguss kann in der Lateralsicht des Knies ermittelt werden.

Objective To evaluate the intraobserver reliability, face validity, and discriminant capacity of different global ultrasound (US) scoring systems for measuring synovitis in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods This study was ancillary to a 52-week, multicenter, prospective, randomized, open-label, parallel-group outpatient study conducted in patients with moderate RA who were randomized to receive either etanercept combined with methotrexate or various disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. A total of 66 different synovitis scoring systems were constructed and evaluated, including 11 different joint combinations; data derived from clinical findings, gray-scale US, and power Doppler US (PDUS); and both binary counts and semiquantitative scores. Results Due to discontinuation of the trial, only 62 patients, a subset of the initially planned number of patients, were included in this study. Reliability was found to be better for gray-scale US and PDUS than for clinical evaluation of synovitis in patients with stable disease between the screening and baseline visits (range for intraclass correlation coefficient 0.6, 0.95 for gray-scale US and 0.56, 0.93 for PDUS versus 0.31, 0.75 for clinical indices). The median (range) difference in the discriminant capacities of clinical indices versus gray-scale US and versus PDUS was 0.25 (−0.64, 0.96) and −0.025 (−0.59, 0.53), respectively, in the period from baseline to 12 weeks. No relevant differences in metrologic properties were observed regarding the number and composition of joints between the different scoring systems. Our findings suggested that a simplified scoring system referring to gray-scale US and PDUS findings might be sufficient. Conclusion Our findings indicate that gray-scale US and PDUS have better reliability than generally used clinical indices for evaluating synovitis in RA. PDUS has at least as good discriminant capacity as clinical assessment of synovitis for distinguishing between treatment arms.

Objective.To evaluate the intraobserver and interobserver reproducibility of B-mode and power Doppler (PD) sonography in patients with active long-standing rheumatoid arthritis (RA) comparatively with clinical data.Methods.In each of 7 patients being considered for a change in their RA treatment regimen, 7 healthcare professionals examined the 28 joints used in the Disease Activity Score 28-joint count (DAS28). Then 7 sonographers examined each of the 7 patients twice, using previously published B-mode and PD grading systems. The clinical reference standard was presence of synovitis according to at least 4/7 examiners. The sonographic reference standard was at least grade 1 (ALG1) or 2 (ALG2) synovitis according to at least 4/7 sonographers. Interobserver reproducibility of sonography was assessed versus the sonographer having the best intraobserver reproducibility. Agreement was measured by Cohen’s kappa statistic.Results.Intraobserver and interobserver reproducibility of B-mode and PD used separately was fair to good. Agreement between clinicians and sonographers at all sites using B-mode, PD, and both was 0.46, 0.37, and 0.36, respectively, for grade 1 synovitis; and 0.58, 0.19, and 0.19 for grade 2 synovitis. The number of joints with synovitis was smaller by physical examination (36.7%) than by B-mode with ALG1 (58.6%; p < 0.001). The number of joints with synovitis was higher by physical examination than by PD with both ALG1 (17.8%; p < 0.0001) and ALG2 (6.6%; p < 0.0001).Conclusion.PD findings explain most of the difference between clinical and sonographic joint assessments for synovitis in patients with long-standing RA.

Objectives To evaluate different global ultrasonographic (US) synovitis scoring systems as potential outcome measures of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) according to the Outcome Measures in Rheumatoid Arthritis Clinical Trials (OMERACT) filter. Methods To study selected global scoring systems, for the clinical, B mode and power Doppler techniques, the following joints were evaluated: 28 joints (28-joint Disease Activity Score (DAS28)), 20 joints (metacarpophalangeals (MCPs) + metatarsophalangeals (MTPs)) and 38 joints (28 joints + MTPs) using either a binary (yes/no) or a 0–3 grade. The study was a prospective, 4-month duration follow-up of 76 patients with RA requiring anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF) therapy (complete follow-up data: 66 patients). Intraobserver reliability was evaluated using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), construct validity was evaluated using the Cronbach α test and external validity was evaluated using level of correlation between scoring system and C reactive protein (CRP). Sensitivity to change was evaluated using the standardised response mean. Discriminating capacity was evaluated using the standardised mean differences in patients considered by the doctor as significantly improved or not at the end of the study. Results Different clinimetric properties of various US scoring systems were at least as good as the clinical scores with, for example, intraobserver reliability ranging from 0.61 to 0.97 versus from 0.53 to 0.82, construct validity ranging from 0.76 to 0.89 versus from 0.76 to 0.88, correlation with CRP ranging from 0.28 to 0.34 versus from 0.28 to 0.35 and sensitivity to change ranging from 0.60 to 1.21 versus from 0.96 to 1.36 for US versus clinical scoring systems, respectively. Conclusion This study suggests that US evaluation of synovitis is an outcome measure at least as relevant as physical examination. Further studies are required in order to achieve optimal US scoring systems for monitoring patients with RA in clinical trials and in clinical practice.

Objectives.To evaluate the reproducibility of clinical synovitis assessments in rheumatoid arthritis and the effect of variability on the Disease Activity Score-28 (DAS28).Methods.Seven healthcare professionals from different cities examined the same patients with active non-early rheumatoid arthritis (RA; duration > 4 yrs), for whom a treatment change was being considered. There was no training session and the examination was to be performed as quickly as possible. The healthcare professionals assessed the 28 joints of the DAS28 in 7 patients (196 joints), then reexamined the same 28 joints in 4 of these 7 patients (112 joints), who had been rendered unrecognizable. Then 7 sonographers examined each of the 7 patients twice, using B-mode and power Doppler ultrasound (PD). The reference standards were presence of synovitis according to at least 50% of clinical examiners and 50% of sonographers. Agreement was assessed by Cohen’s kappa statistic.Results.Intraobserver reliability ranged from 0.31 (least experienced research technician) to 0.77 (most experienced physician). Interobserver reliability ranged from 0.18 to 0.62. The largest difference between the lowest and the highest swollen joint counts in the same patient was 15, and the greatest variation in the DAS28 score was 0.92. Agreement between clinical and sonographic reference standards was 0.46, 0.37, and 0.36 for B-mode, PD, and both, respectively.Conclusion.Clinical inter- and intraobserver reliability is highly dependent on the examiner. Consequences on the DAS28 score can be substantial. Agreement with sonography is poor when both B-mode and PD are used but seems better, although low, when B-mode is used alone.

Objective: To develop education guidelines for the conduct of future European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) courses.Methods: We undertook a consensus-based, iterative process using two consecutive questionnaires sent to 29 senior ultrasonographer rheumatologists who comprised the faculty of the 14th EULAR ultrasound course (June 2007). The first questionnaire encompassed the following issues: type of MSUS educational model; course timing; course curriculum; course duration; number of participants per teacher in practical sessions; time spent on hands-on sessions; and the requirements and/or restrictions for attendance at the courses. The second questionnaire consisted of questions related to areas where consensus had not been achieved in the first questionnaire, and to the topics and pathologies to be assigned to different educational levels.Results: The response rate was 82.7% from the first questionnaire and 87.5% from the second questionnaire. The respondents were from 11 European countries. The group consensus on guidelines and curriculum was for a three-level education model (basic, intermediate and advanced) with timing and location related to the annual EULAR Congresses. The topics and pathologies to be included in each course were agreed. The course duration will be 20 h. There will be a maximum of six participants per teacher and 50-60% of total time will be spent on practical sessions. There was also agreement on prerequisite experience before attending the intermediate and advanced courses.Conclusion: We have developed European agreed guidelines for the content and conduct of EULAR ultrasound courses, which may also be recommended to national and local MSUS training programmes.

Objective To produce educational guidelines for the conduct, content and format of theoretical and practical teaching at EULAR musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) Teaching the Teachers (TTT) Courses. Methods A Delphi-based procedure with 24 recommendations covering five main areas (Duration and place of the course; Faculty members; Content of the course; Evaluation of the teaching skills; TTT competency assessment) was distributed among a group of experts involved in MSUS teaching, in addition to an advisory educational expert being present. Consensus for each recommendation was considered achieved when the percentage of agreement was >75%. Results 21 of 24 invited participants responded to the first Delphi questionnaire (88% response rate). All 21 participants also responded to the second round. Agreement on 19 statements was obtained after two rounds. Conclusions This project has led to the development of guidelines for the conduct, content and format of teaching at the EULAR MSUS TTT Courses that are organised annually, with the aim of training future teachers of EULAR MSUS Courses, EULAR Endorsed MSUS Courses, as well as national and local MSUS Courses. The presented work gives indications on how to homogenise the teaching at the MSUS TTT Courses, thus resolving current discrepancies in the field.

Imaging and biochemistry are amongst the most rapidly evolving fields within medicine. In the last 30 years, clinical practice has been transformed by the rapid expansion of sophisticated new technologies in those fields offering a large range of instruments for better identifying, monitoring and sometimes predicting pathological processes. As compared to therapeutic interventions, one of the main problems is the lack of standard procedures for validating new tools before their widespread application. This is mostly related to the complexity of the validation process, which requires a multidisciplinary approach involving technology assessment, efficacy (including effectiveness and efficiency) and outcomes, generating sometimes biases in the evaluation of the capability of the tool. An additional problem is related to the typology of the new technology under study. In the imaging field is quite easy to demonstrate the technical improvement in the detection of the pathological process: magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) visualize better than computed tomography (CT) the brain lesions, as well as MRI or ultrasound visualize joint synovitis in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients better than CT or conventional radiography (CR). Therefore nearly all publications in imaging are focused on technical and diagnostic performances of the new instruments and few studies are performed on the real impact of the use of those techniques for the therapeutic and clinical management of patients. Moreover when such studies are performed, they are far to show a real improvement in the management of patients in term of diagnostic cost, treatment or quality of life. The objective of the presentation is to discuss the indications and possible biais in the application of imaging in rheumatic diseases. Disclosure of Interest None declared