Intended for practising rheumatologists, this book will also be useful for postgraduate students and internists with an interest in rheumatology. It familiarises clinicians involved in the care of patients with spondyloarthritis (SpA) with various common and uncommon imaging features of these disorders. In addition, it will serve as a reference for comparison of imaging features observed by clinicians in their day-to-day practice. The purpose is to make it easier for a rheumatologist to understand the report given by a radiologist in this context and to participate with a basic understanding during multidisciplinary meetings involving radiology colleagues. The aim is to ensure better patient care through shared understanding of imaging findings. Detailed illustrations and explanation of various imaging findings in patients with spondyloarthritis. Basic science of MRI and its sequences have been explained in a simple language which rheumatologists and internists can understand. Various uncommon imaging features like entheseal inflammation and ligamentous ossification have been nicely illustrated. Provides a vivid collection of plain radiographs, MRIs and CT scans obtained during care of patients with spondyloarthritis. Both the axial and peripheral joints have been included.

This volume focuses on IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD), a novel clinical entity involving multiple organs and of unknown origin, associated with the abundant infiltration of IgG4-positive cells. It consists of nine chapters written by prominent experts in the field and discusses the disease concept, diagnosis and treatment, as well as recent findings on its pathogenesis and pathophysiology. As such, it offers an invaluable source of information for researchers and clinicians alike.

This book provides the reader with a comprehensive overview of the Antiphospholipid syndrome. One of the most important advances in rheumatology and connective tissue diseases of the last decade. It provides an explanation for many previously undefined conditions with no clear pathogenesis encompassing all subspeculations in internal medicine as well as obstetrics. Clotting problems leading to strokes and myocardial infarctions (in younger people) as well as a large variety of other syndromes such as chorea, hyproadrenalism, pulmonary problems are now being understood.

This book, part of the series Rare Diseases of the Immune System, offers comprehensive, up-to-date coverage of the pathophysiology and management of the antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). Immunologic and genetic aspects are discussed and the pathogenic mechanisms responsible for such phenomena as APS-mediated thrombosis and pregnancy loss/complications are explained. The main clinical manifestations, classification criteria and diagnostic tools are identified, and close attention is paid to the nature of the involvement of various organs or organ systems in APS. Specific chapters describe the treatment of the different symptoms, therapies of value in avoiding recurrences, and innovative treatment approaches. The authors are senior experts in the field who are aided by younger fellows, ensuring that the book is also educationally oriented. This handy volume will be a valuable tool for postgraduates in training and professionals wishing to extend their knowledge of this specific syndrome.

This highly illustrated text provides comprehensive coverage of the examination of patients with joint or periarticular disease. It includes full details of joint aspiration, injection techniques and examination of synovial fluid. This new edition contains more practical procedures than ever before, with new coverage of biopsy and epidural injections. All chapters have been revised and expanded to include more illustrations. Rheumatology Examination and Injection Techniques has established itself as the leading practical text of examination and injection techniques. This edition builds on the strengths of the first to provide a thorough and detailed step-by-step guide to practice in this area.Teaches basic clinical skills All chapters are enriched by high quality accurate illustrationsProvides an informative review of joint assessment Designed to appeal to a wide audiencePractical Procedures section has been expanded to include: biopsy, epidural injections, and principles of diagnosis New chapter on patient assessment Approximately 20 new line illustrations Every chapter has been revised

This practical manual explains a comprehensive, alternative system of diagnosis and treatment of chronic musculoskeletal pain. Medications and commonly available physical therapies often give only temporary relief. The success of the intramuscular stimulation method described here has led to a new model for chronic pain. The manual, and the techniques described in it, will be invaluable to those seeking a more effective physical modality for the management of chronic musculoskeletal pain.a practical clinical manual showing a clear and coherent approach to the treatment of pain written by Dr Gunn who is an acknowledged expert in this area excellent illustrations guide the practitioner through the techniques described

Autoimmunity, characterized by autoreactive lymphocytes and autoantibodies, is the consequence of a failure to discriminate between self and non-self, and autoimmune diseases are an increasing threat to people living in the industrialized countries. Autoimmune disorders are treatable, but not curable, and patients can face disability at later stages of the disease. Thus, there is a medical and economic need for new concepts and treatments in autoimmune disorders. New concepts and treatments can only be achieved by an interdisciplinary approach bringing together expertise, technologies, and clinical experience. The workshop focused on multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and type I diabetes, and discussed conventional drug therapies, gene therapy, cell and tissue transplantation therapies, and first treatments using blood stem cells for reprogramming the patients' immune system.

Recent research, which Bone- Metabolic Function and Modulators expands on, has added new support to the idea that bone not only serves as a support system, but also functions as an integrating organ, with a significant regulatory role for lipid and energy metabolism. Links between physical activity and the skeleton are also becoming increasingly clear. This fully illustrated volume contains up-to-date information on the metabolic role of the skeleton and what this can mean for the treatment of metabolic as well as skeletal and auditory diseases. Bone- Metabolic Function and Modulators is of particular interest to clinician scientists, clinical and basic bone researchers, orthopedists, endocrinologists, internists, dentists, nurse practitioners, medical and dental residents and physiotherapists as well as students of the musculoskeletal system. Bone- Metabolic Function and Modulators is the seventh volume in the series Topics in Bone Biology, edited by Felix Bronner and Mary C. Farach-Carson. Other titles in this series:- Bone Formation Bone Resorption Engineering of Functional Skeletal Tissues Bone and Osteoarthritis Bone and Cancer Bone and Development Bone- Metabolic Function and Modulators is of particular interest to clinician scientists, clinical and basic bone researchers, orthopedists, endocrinologists, internists, dentists, nurse practitioners, medical and dental residents and physiotherapists as well as students of the musculoskeletal system. Bone- Metabolic Function and Modulators is the seventh volume in the series Topics in Bone Biology, edited by Felix Bronner and Mary C. Farach-Carson. Other titles in this series:- Bone Formation Bone Resorption Engineering of Functional Skeletal Tissues Bone and Osteoarthritis Bone and Cancer Bone and Development Bone- Metabolic Function and Modulators is of particular interest to clinician scientists, clinical and basic bone researchers, orthopedists, endocrinologists, internists, dentists, nurse practitioners, medical and dental residents and physiotherapists as well as students of the musculoskeletal system. Bone- Metabolic Function and Modulators is the seventh volume in the series Topics in Bone Biology, edited by Felix Bronner and Mary C. Farach-Carson. Other titles in this series:- Bone Formation Bone Resorption Engineering of Functional Skeletal Tissues Bone and Osteoarthritis Bone and Cancer Bone and Development

George Tsokos and a panel of authoritative clinicians and researchers synthesize the latest findings from across cell and molecular biology with the basic principles of rheumatology to create the first textbook of molecular rheumatology. These established experts describe the biochemical mechanisms by which apoptosis, cell signaling, complement, lipids, and viruses contribute to disease expression, and detail both immune and nonimmune cell function in rheumatic diseases. Their review of the major rheumatic diseases integrates the cellular, biochemical, and molecular biological mechanisms that are important in rheumatic disease pathogenesis. Path-breaking and illuminating, Principles of Molecular Rheumatology expands the envelope of clinical understanding to reveal the biological roots underlying rheumatologic disease, as well as the nature and roles of the powerful new therapeutics now emerging for its optimal treatment.

It is with great pleasure that I write this Foreword to the Proceedings of the International Conference on Behcet's Disease which was held in Berlin in June 2002. This was the first International Conference held under the auspices of the International Society for Behcet's Disease which was founded in 2000 in Seoul. First, I congratulate our colleagues in Berlin, led by Professor Christos Zouboulis of the Department of Dermatology at the Free University of Berlin, for having organised a most successful conference and for having compiled these proceedings so rapidly. It will be realised immediately on scanning the contents of this book that the conference was truly international with 210 participants from 26 countries, as Professor Zouboulis has noted in his preface. These included basic scientists, epidemiologists, pathologists, clinicians and, importantly, representatives from patient organisations. The latter held their own conference alongside the scientific-medical conference to mutual benefit. The combined session of patients and doctors (abstracts on pp 601 - 626) gave the opportunity for an exchange of information and fruitful discussion. The wide ranging scope of the communications is evident from the index and it was most encouraging to see their origin - from all parts of the world, from senior and junior colleagues and, from many different disciplines. Many communications may be regarded as preliminary reports of research in progress and we look forward to seeing the definitive publications in appropriate journals in due course."

This issue of Rheumatic Disease Clinics, guest edited by Dr. Candace Feldman, is Part II of a two-part issue covering Health Disparities in Rheumatic Diseases. This issue is one of four selected each year by series Consulting Editor, Dr. Michael Weisman. Topics discussed in this issue include, but are not limited to: Disparities in Lupus Care and Outcomes among U.S. Medicaid Beneficiaries, Understanding Risk Factors for Poor Outcomes in a Multiethnic Longitudinal Cohort, Impact of Psychosocial Factors on RA and Lupus Health Disparities, Racial/ethnic and geographic disparities in knee and hip osteoarthritis, Racial/ethnic Disparities in Osteoarthritis Management, Challenges and Strategies to Achieve Equitable Rheumatologic Care Across the World, Strategies to Reduce Disparities, Understanding and Addressing the Provider Biases and the Lack of Diversity in Lupus Clinical Trials, Community-engaged Research: Lupus Conversations, Leveraging Telemedicine as an Approach to Address Rheumatic Disease Health Disparities, and Understanding the Role and Challenges of Patient Preferences in Disparities in Rheumatic Disease Care.

This issue of Rheumatic Disease Clinics, guest edited by Dr. Maripat Corr, will discuss Pain in Rheumatic Diseases. This issue is one of four selected each year by series Consulting Editor, Dr. Michael Weisman. Topics discussed in this issue include, but are not limited to: Pain mechanisms in patients with rheumatic diseases, The back-pain assessment and treatment in clinical practice, Basic mechanisms of pain in osteoarthritis - experimental observations, NGF promise for management of pain in OA - clinical and experimental aspects, Pivotal role of pain in the lupus patient - cause or effect of poor outcomes, Cannabinoids-hope or hype for pain, Sex differences in Models of pain, Neuropathic pain in AS, and Relationship between inflammation and pain - RA as a model.

Behcet s Syndrome has seen great strides over the last two decades in the availability of new treatments and the understanding of underlying pathogenesis. Only 30 years ago the majority of particularly young men with Behcet s lost total eye sight, now only a minority do. This book covers the most recent developments in the basic and clinical aspects of Behcet s Syndrome. International authorities have collaborated to offer their diverse expert knowledge on the multiple affected organs and systems, including the skin, the eye, the brain, the lungs and not the least the gastrointestinal and the locomotor systems. A special chapter is devoted to juvenile disease. The definitive resource on Behcet s Syndrome, this book is well suited for rheumatologists, dermatologists, ophthalmologists, neurologists, and health professionals caring for Behcet s patients."

The role of trace metals, especially copper and zinc, in the pathogenesis of rheumatic conditions has continued to receive much interest following the initial upsurge of research activity in the 1970s. Meantime also copper and zinc complexes receive continued attention for their potential anti-inflam matory actions. Since the previous major titles were published in this field some years ago (e. g. 1,2) it was considered timely to consider progress which has been made in the interceding period. Thus in this volume aspects are re viewed of the metabolism and biodisposition of copper and zinc, especially as they may be influenced by inflammatory processes, the mode of action of copper and zinc compounds in inflammatory states, and the actions of some newer copper complexes. While we still understand relatively little about how copper and zinc complexes work in inflammation, and indeed what the fate of the ligands and their complexed ions is in inflammation, it is hoped that this volume will be useful for giving a current view of the "state of art" in the field. Special thanks are given to the valued efforts of the contributors, Dr Peter Clarke (Publishing Director, Kluwer Academic Publishers) and Mrs Veronica Rainsford-Koechli for her help in proof-reading the manuscripts. K D Rainsford Hamilton, Ontario, Canada February 1989 References 1. Rainsford, K. D., Brune, K. and Whitehouse, M. W. (eds) (1981). Elements in the pathogenesis a treatment of inflammation."

In recent years there have been a number of significant developments of natural products for the treatment of rheumatic diseases, pain and gastro-intestinal ulcers and inflammation. The volume covers some of these novel developments of natural products which are of current and future interest as therapies for the above-mentioned conditions. Most available volumes cover a wide range of biological and technicological aspects of natural products and their discovery, some involving synthesis and properties of chemical compounds. The difference in this volume is that the natural products have a focus on their therapeutic effects on pain, arthritic and gastrointestinal diseases. Some of the natural products covered are either at the experimental stage of development while others are well-established clinically-used products. Each has its own unique place in therapy.

Autoimmune (IgG4-related) Pancreatitis and Cholangitis reviews the breadth of clinical, imaging, histological, laboratory, and imaging features associated with IgG4-associated systemic disease, especially AIP and IAC. Written by experts in their fields, each chapter includes an overview of existing data as well as the most up-to-date scientific information and emerging data. The book also addresses areas of uncertainty and controversy, briefly highlighting clinical and research needs relative to the respective topic. Comprehensive and easy to use, Autoimmune (IgG4-related) Pancreatitis and Cholangitis is a valuable resource for physicians who deal with or are interested in these complex disease processes, including gastroenterologists, hepatologists, and surgeons.

Integrative Rheumatology offers a new and much-needed perspective in disease and symptom management, blending conventional medicine with alternative approaches not typically included in a Western medical practice. While conventional treatments can provide considerable symptomatic relief and can even slow the progression of many rheumatologic conditions, integrative treatment incorporating lifestyle interventions, mind-body approaches, and practices such as acupuncture and meditation into conventional medical therapies can improve quality of life, reduce medication dosages, and are generally better tolerated. In this book, researchers and clinicians highlight specific gaps in conventional rheumatologic care and examine how alternative approaches may be ideally suited to address these missed opportunities. Here, the authors introduce topics not typically addressed in conventional rheumatology texts, including nutritional therapies, exercise, herbal medicine, mind/body approaches, Ayurveda, and energy medicine. The contributors, all of whom have a background in academic medicine, share the approaches that they have found most effective in their own practices, basing their work on the best scientific evidence available. Ultimately, an understanding of complementary and alternative approaches to healing can help clinicians care for their patients using the best proven therapies to modify disease progress and relieve pain and disability.

This book is a practical and evidence-based guide to performing clinical musculoskeletal ultrasound for patients suffering from various rheumatic diseases. It represents the best current thinking on the role of ultrasonography in the assessment of pathology, diagnosis and treatment of these disorders. Following introductory chapters covering fundamental techniques and pitfalls of musculoskeletal ultrasound, the book discusses the uses of ultrasound to identify and monitor different rheumatic conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, osteoarthritis, pediatric musculoskeletal disorders, carpal tunnel syndrome and inflammatory conditions. It concludes with a chapter dedicated to ultrasound-guided interventional procedures, with illustrations depicting patients and probe positioning. Featuring contributions from a large international group of leaders in musculoskeletal ultrasonography, Musculoskeletal Ultrasonography in Rheumatic Diseases is an authoritative reference for rheumatologists, sonographers, radiologists and orthopedic specialists.

The result of modern pathological research, this book offers quickly accessible and clearly arranged information on the 29 most important diseases that belong to the complex of rheumatic diseases: It includes clinical features, helpful marginal notes, an extensive subject index, a comprehensive bibliography, and approximately 300 illustrations, most of which are light, electron, or scanning electron micrographs. The reader is presented with a useful basis for diagnostic considerations and therapeutic decisions. By intensively analysing disease processes and their stuctures and by integrating modern immunological and molecular biological knowledge, the author has succeeded in providing the different pathological entities with a more distinct profile. New results have been achieved, particularly in the fields of Rheumatoid Arthritis, Seronegative Spondarthritides, and Osteoarthritis.

Bones and joints are always under mechanical loading a key concept in understanding bone metabolism. Among the most common diseases of bones and joints in the elderly are osteoporosis and joint osteoarthritis. Dynamic changes in mechanical loading give rise to problems resulting in stenosis of the spinal column at the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar levels. Mechanical loading also accelerates joint destruction caused by inflammation from such conditions as chronic rheumatoid arthritis. An understanding of mechanical loading is essential therefore to clinicians, basic researchers, and engineers working with bones and joints. Providing up-to-date research and clinical findings, the contents of this volume are from the papers, symposia, and special lectures presented at the 12th Annual Meeting of the Orthopaedic Research Meeting of the Japanese Orthopaedic Association in Niigata, in October 1997.

Providing clinicians with a comprehensive, evidence-based summary of musculoskeletal health in pregnancy and postpartum, this is the first book of its kind to describe the physiologic changes, prevalence, etiology, diagnostic strategies, and effective treatments for the most common musculoskeletal clinical conditions encountered during this phase of life. Lumbopelvic pain, upper and lower extremity diagnoses, labor and delivery considerations, including the impact on the pelvic floor, and medical therapeutics will be discussed. Additionally, the importance and influence of exercise in pregnancy, the long-term implications of musculoskeletal health in pregnancy and current and future directions for research will be addressed. The childbearing period is a time of remarkable reproductive and musculoskeletal change, predisposing women to potential injury, pain, and resultant disability. Musculoskeletal Health in Pregnancy and Postpartum offers musculoskeletal medicine specialists, obstetricians and any clinicians involved in the care of pregnant or postpartum women the tools necessary to prepare for, treat and prevent these concurrent injuries during an already challenging time.

This book, written by very well known opinion leaders in the field, covers all aspects of familial Mediterranean fever, the most common monogenic autoinflammatory disease. The opening chapters explain the genetic basis of the disease and provide insights into the pathogenesis derived from recent experimental studies. A large part of the book is then devoted to a detailed description of the typical and atypical clinical presentations, the disease course, and potential complications in both pediatric and adult patients. Guidance is provided on the measurement of disease severity and the management of patients in daily practice. The advice regarding treatment is based on the best currently available evidence and attention is also paid to important emerging treatments. The book is part of Springer's series Rare Diseases of the Immune System, which presents recently acquired knowledge on pathogenesis, diagnosis, and therapy with the aim of promoting a more holistic approach to these conditions. Monogenic autoinflammatory diseases are hereditary disorders that are caused by single-gene defects in innate immune regulatory pathways and are characterized by a clinical and biological inflammatory syndrome in which there is limited, if any, evidence of autoimmunity. Familial Mediterranean fever itself is due to a mutation in the MEFV gene, which codes for the protein pyrin; it is characterized by periodic fever and episodes of painful inflammation in the abdomen, chest, and joints. Familial Mediterranean Fever will be an invaluable source of up-to-date information for all practitioners involved in the care of patients with the disease.

This edition of the companion volumes Muscle Pain: Understanding the Mech- isms and Muscle Pain: Diagnosis and Treatment is essential reading for those interested in clinical approaches to acute and chronic pain conditions involving muscle tissues and in the mechanisms underlying these conditions. The volumes cover a very important topic in pain medicine, since muscle pain is very common and can often be dif?cult to diagnose and treat effectively. Furthermore, chronic pain involving muscle and other components of the musculoskeletal system increases with age, such that it is a common complaint of those of us who are middle-aged or older. Indeed, as changing population demographics in "west- nized" countries result in higher proportions of the population living longer and being middle-aged and elderly, chronic muscle pain will likely become even more of a health problem. In the case of acute muscle pain, this can often be very intense, and in the short term can limit or modify the use of components of the musculoskeletal system associated with the sensitive muscle. Chronic muscle pain can also be intense, as well as unpleasant and disabling, and it is in many cases the over-riding symptom of most musculoskeletal disorders that are associated with long-term deleterious changes in musculoskeletal function.

In this issue of Rheumatic Disease Clinics, Guest Editors Laura E. Schanberg MD and Yukiko Kimura MD brings his considerable expertise to the topic of pediatric rheumatology. Top experts in the field cover key topics such as CARRA, Mental health, Social media and JIA, CV disease in PRD, and more. Provides in-depth, clinical reviews on pediatric rheumatology, providing actionable insights for clinical practice. Presents the latest information on this timely, focused topic under the leadership of experienced editors in the field; Authors synthesize and distill the latest research and practice guidelines to create these timely topic-based reviews. Contains 20 relevant, practice-oriented topics, such as Pharmacosurveillance of biologics in pediatric rheumatic disease (or JIA); cSLE in developing countries: impact of access to care, ethnic differences?; Biomarkers and Outcome Measures in cSLE; Role of environment on PRD; and more.