Rheumatology International最新文献

{"title":"Inflammatory back pain-like symptoms and MRI mimics of sacroiliitis in patients with anatomical variants of the sacroiliac joint: a cross-sectional study.","authors":"Aysegul Avcu, Halise Hande Gezer, Mehmet Tuncay Duruöz, Ece Bıcakcı, Şeyma Çolakoğlu Özkaya, Onur Bugdayci, Erhan Biyikli, Pamir Atagündüz","doi":"10.1007/s00296-026-06121-4","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00296-026-06121-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Sacroiliac joint (SIJ) anatomical variants are common on MRI and may complicate interpretation by mimicking inflammatory sacroiliitis; however, their relationship with inflammatory back pain (IBP)-like symptom patterns is not well defined in patients without axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). To characterize inflammatory back pain (IBP)-like symptom patterns and accompanying MRI findings that may mimic sacroiliitis in patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP) and sacroiliac joint (SIJ) anatomical variants who did not fulfill classification criteria for axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). In this cross-sectional study, consecutive patients younger than 45 years at the time of SIJ MRI/clinical evaluation, with chronic low back pain lasting at least 3 months, who underwent SIJ MRI between September 2023 and September 2025 were retrospectively screened for predefined SIJ anatomical variants and lumbosacral transitional anomalies. Patients with lumbosacral transitional anomalies were excluded at the screening stage. Those with at least one SIJ anatomical variant were invited for a standardized clinical assessment in which IBP features were captured using a single questionnaire covering the Calin, Rudwaleit (Berlin), and ASAS IBP criteria. All participants were systematically assessed against the ASAS classification criteria for axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), and those who fulfilled these criteria were excluded from the final analysis. SIJ MRIs were read independently by two radiologists blinded to clinical data; agreement for variant detection was almost perfect (κ = 0.90). Bone marrow edema (BME) was evaluated according to the ASAS/OMERACT definition of MRI findings highly suggestive of active sacroiliitis, and structural changes were also recorded. Of 260 screened patients with CLBP, SIJ anatomical variants were identified in 108/260 (41.5%). After exclusions (n = 20), 88 patients were included in the final analysis; 75/88 (85.2%) were female, with a median age of 36 years (Q1-Q3: 28-39) and a median symptom duration of 3.0 years (Q1-Q3: 1.6-9.8). IBP positivity varied by criteria set: 51.1% (Calin), 34.1% (Berlin), and 27.3% (ASAS). Variants were predominantly bilateral (76/88, 86.4%). Among 98 recorded variant findings, accessory joint (n = 27) and iliosacral complex (n = 25) were the most frequent. ASAS/OMERACT-positive BME was present in 10/88 patients (11.4%); structural lesions included sclerosis in 22/88 (25.0%), erosions in 7/88 (8.0%), and fat metaplasia in 5/88 (5.7%). HLA-B27 positivity was observed in 4/69 tested patients (5.8%), and median CRP was 3.2 mg/L (Q1-Q3: 1.0-7.0). In a non-axSpA, variant-positive cohort, IBP-like symptom patterns were common, whereas ASAS/OMERACT-positive BME was infrequent. SIJ variants may therefore complicate clinical judgment because of symptom overlap in young patients within the typical age range for axSpA onset. Although infrequent, imaging features that mimic inflammatory ","PeriodicalId":21322,"journal":{"name":"Rheumatology International","volume":"46 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-05-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147842306","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Apremilast therapy increases CD39⁺CD4⁺ T cells in peripheral blood of patients with psoriatic disease: a retrospective observational pilot study.","authors":"Athanasios Mavropoulos, Sotirios G Tsiogkas, Theodora Simopoulou, Efthimios Dardiotis, Efterpi Zafiriou, Lazaros I Sakkas, Dimitrios P Bogdanos","doi":"10.1007/s00296-026-06114-3","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00296-026-06114-3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) are chronic inflammatory diseases, recognized as one entity, termed psoriatic disease (PsD). CD39 is an ectonucleotidase that hydrolyzes ATP to adenosine and is expressed on a human Treg sub-population capable of exerting interleukin (IL-) 17 suppression. We aimed to investigate the effect of apremilast on CD39 expression in T cells from patients with PsD. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were analyzed by multicolor flow cytometry and appropriate monoclonal antibodies. Intracellular cytokine production of PBMCs was measured after in vitro PMA plus ionomycin stimulation. At 6 weeks post-treatment, apremilast inhibited IL-17 and interferon-γ (IFNγ) production, increased IL-10 production in both CD4+T cells and CD4-T cells, and inhibited IL-6 production in CD4-T cells. At baseline, levels of CD4+CD39+ cells were decreased in patients compared to controls. At 6 weeks post-treatment, CD4+CD39+ cells increased. Furthermore, CD4+CD39+ cells producing IL-10 increased in patients who achieved a PASI response. A significant proportion of IL-10-producing CD39+ cells were CD56-CD11c- cells. CD4+FoxP3+ cells were decreased in patients compared to controls. At 6 weeks post-treatment CD4+FoxP3+ cells, and CD4+FoxP3+CD39+ cells increased, although CD4+CD25hiFoxP3+ Treg cells did not change significantly. If confirmed in larger studies, CD4+CD39+ cells producing IL-10 could likely become associated with the response to apremilast.</p>","PeriodicalId":21322,"journal":{"name":"Rheumatology International","volume":"46 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-05-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13149556/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147842219","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Scalable synovial fibroblast sources enable reproducible basal synovial organoid formation: an in vitro platform study.","authors":"Søren Lomholt, Ann Mai Brøndum Holm Øllgaard, Anni Aagaard Madsen, Morten Aagaard Nielsen, Tue Wenzel Kragstrup","doi":"10.1007/s00296-026-06112-5","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00296-026-06112-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study aimed to identify new and scalable sources of cells for forming synovial organoids that align with the pauci-immune synovial pathotype and characterise both structure and cellular organisation of such organoids. The study modified a previously published method for forming synovial organoids using Matrigel, and tested it with combinations of immortalised synovial fibroblasts derived from synovium or synovial fluid together with human umbilical vein endothelial cells or the EA.hy926 cell line. Healthy synovium and synovial fluid derived fibroblasts with human umbilical vein endothelial cells resulted in formation of synovial organoids. Organoid diameter, area and cell count showed no significant differences (p > 0.05) in organoids formed with the different fibroblasts. Median CD31 signal intensity was 213 (184-218)) in the vascular-like area, 58 (55-60) in the lining-like area, and 62 (52-72) in the stroma-like area. Median podoplanin signal intensity was 971 (880-1052) in the lining-like area, 341 (310-560) in the vascular-like area, and 342 (281-356) in the stromal-like area. Here, we present novel sources of synovial fibroblasts for successfully forming of pauci-immune-aligned basal synovial organoids. These synovial organoids showed spatial expression patterns of PDPN and CD90 consistent with in vivo synovial fibroblast phenotypes and thereby showed potential as a reproducible basal synovial organoid platform, providing a structural foundation for future mechanistic and translational extensions with additional work needed to establish a fully validated disease model.</p>","PeriodicalId":21322,"journal":{"name":"Rheumatology International","volume":"46 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-05-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13139273/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147842292","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Handgrip strength testing in rheumatic diseases.","authors":"Yuliya Fedorchenko, Umida Khojakulova, Olena Zimba, Burhan Fatih Kocyigit","doi":"10.1007/s00296-026-06111-6","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00296-026-06111-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Rheumatic diseases encompass diverse immune-mediated disorders that compromise musculoskeletal and systemic functions, often resulting in persistent disability. Hand muscle weakness is an early and clinically meaningful manifestation across rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and systemic sclerosis (SSc). Reduced handgrip strength (HGS) is an integrative measure that reflects systemic inflammation, neuromuscular involvement, and functional deterioration, providing critical insight into disease progression. The current review aims to overview available evidence on HGS testing in rheumatic diseases, with a focus on measurement devices, clinical and prognostic significance, and perspectives for its integration into disease monitoring and patient management. HGS is a sensitive marker of muscular function and frailty. Advances in mechanical and digital dynamometry, wearable devices, and smartphone-integrated systems enable precise and remote assessments. Reduced HGS correlates with higher disease burden and impaired quality of life. Despite its growing applicability, heterogeneity in testing procedures and inter-device variability underscore the need for standardized protocols and device-specific reference values. Advances in wearable sensors, digital dynamometry, and AI-supported telerehabilitation hold promise for integrating HGS into personalized disease monitoring.</p>","PeriodicalId":21322,"journal":{"name":"Rheumatology International","volume":"46 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13128709/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147779912","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exercise adherence, perceived exercise benefits and barriers, and spinal mobility in ankylosing spondylitis: a cross-sectional study.","authors":"Ahmet Usen, Ozlem Kuculmez, Mithat Oguz Yavuz","doi":"10.1007/s00296-026-06118-z","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00296-026-06118-z","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":21322,"journal":{"name":"Rheumatology International","volume":"46 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13106261/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147779907","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Pregnancy planning in women with rheumatic diseases: an integrated framework for risk stratification and multidisciplinary management.","authors":"Dinara Yerlanova, Dinara Makhanbetkulova, Umida Khojakulova, Yuliya Fedorchenko, Olena Zimba, Ahmet Usen","doi":"10.1007/s00296-026-06117-0","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00296-026-06117-0","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":21322,"journal":{"name":"Rheumatology International","volume":"46 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13109132/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147779926","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Sleep positional therapy for patients with systemic sclerosis and nighttime gastroesophageal reflux symptoms.","authors":"Elise M Wessels, Gwen M C Masclee, Jeroen M Schuitenmaker, Albert J Bredenoord","doi":"10.1007/s00296-026-06115-2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00296-026-06115-2","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":21322,"journal":{"name":"Rheumatology International","volume":"46 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147691935","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Severe tortuosity but not altered retinal vessel diameters in children and young adults with Familial Mediterranean Fever: a case-control study.","authors":"Olga Vampertzi, Areti Triantafyllou, Anastasia Stoimeni, Nikolaos Koletsos, Stella Douma, Kyriaki Papadopoulou-Legbelou, Efimia Papadopoulou-Alataki","doi":"10.1007/s00296-026-06116-1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00296-026-06116-1","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":21322,"journal":{"name":"Rheumatology International","volume":"46 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147676344","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Baseline pain, fatigue, and sleep quality predict 12-week pain improvement in inflammatory arthritis: retrospective real-world analysis of a digital health application cohort.","authors":"Dmytro Fedkov, Danylo Yevstifeiev, Oleg Iaremenko, Daria Koliadenko, Liubov Petelytska, Christine Peine, Felix Lang, Abdullah Khalil, Türker Kurt, Stefan Vordenbäumen","doi":"10.1007/s00296-026-06105-4","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00296-026-06105-4","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":21322,"journal":{"name":"Rheumatology International","volume":"46 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13068763/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147646378","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Validation of the Dudley inflammatory bowel symptom questionnaire for assessing gastrointestinal symptom burden in axial spondyloarthritis.","authors":"Meryem Ozoglu, Duygu Temiz Karadag, Neslihan Gokcen, Ozlem Ozdemir Isik, Hasan Yilmaz, Ayse Cefle, Ayten Yazici","doi":"10.1007/s00296-026-06108-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00296-026-06108-1","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":21322,"journal":{"name":"Rheumatology International","volume":"46 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13061768/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147639673","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}