This book comprehensively describes alkaptonuria and ochronosis. Beginning with the history, genetics, pathophysiology and diagnostics of the disease, the authors subsequently present a detailed characterization of its clinical manifestation in the spine, peripheral joints, eyes, ears, visceral organs and respiratory tract, its pathological anatomy and histology, as well as differential diagnosis. This is complemented by the latest data on therapy and experimental models of alkaptonuria, and supported by several case reports. Numerous pictures and radiological images document the clinical symptoms, giving the reader a solid understanding of the disease. On the basis of the editor's and authors' own extensive observations, the book offers an analysis of protein metabolism and aromatic amino acids in the context of alkaptonuria. Written by international experts in the field, the book offers a valuable reference guide for healthcare professionals working in rheumatology, dermatology, pulmonology, otolaryngology and histopathology.

In the present monograph, we offer current insights into polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arthritis. Both diseases are typical for advanced age, and their incidences increase with aging. Both diseases are a center point of interest not only for rheu- tologists, gerontologists, ophthalmologists or neurologists, but also for general prac- tioners. Early diagnosis and rapid treatment, mainly with glucocorticoids can save one of the most precious senses-vision. Damage to other organs (heart, aorta, co- nary arteries, liver, lungs, kidneys), which are supplied by the arteries affected by ischemic syndrome in the setting of giant cell arthritis, has serious consequences as well. Late diagnosis of giant cell arthritis can have fatal consequences for affected patients. It is a matter of fact that the human population is aging. Therefore, more attention has to be paid not only to diagnosis, clinical course and treatment of rheumatic d- eases in elderly, but also to their genetic, immunologic, endocrinologic, chronobiologic mechanisms, and state-of-the-art diagnostic modalities. I am convinced that the int- disciplinary research of the diseases will allow us to diagnose and treat the rheumatic diseases even faster and more effectively in the future.

Sine syndromes (SSs) represent atypical forms of inflammatory rheumatic diseases, the courses of which are often severe. While the diagnosis of rheumatic diseases can be determined according to an established set of diagnostic criteria based on clinical characteristics and laboratory parameters, Sine Syndromes do not fulfill the standard criteria used to assist in the classification of patients with rheumatological disorders. This concise book gives an overview of atypical courses in common inflammatory rheumatic diseases such as Wegener's granulomatosis, systemic sclerosis, Sjoegren's syndrome, or systemic lupus erythematosus. Each chapter reviews similar cases reported in the literature and presents current data on treatment options. Drawing on their vast clinical experience, the editors provide a series of detailed case reports in order to illustrate the different types of disease. The book is intended to facilitate early diagnosis and effective therapy in patients where a schematic approach may not prove sufficient. Sine Syndromes in Rheumatology will serve as a useful and easily accessible reference for specialists in rheumatology as well as for practitioners in the fields of internal medicine, pediatrics, and orthopedics.

Sine syndromes (SSs) represent atypical forms of inflammatory rheumatic diseases, the courses of which are often severe. While the diagnosis of rheumatic diseases can be determined according to an established set of diagnostic criteria based on clinical characteristics and laboratory parameters, Sine Syndromes do not fulfill the standard criteria used to assist in the classification of patients with rheumatological disorders. This concise book gives an overview of atypical courses in common inflammatory rheumatic diseases such as Wegener's granulomatosis, systemic sclerosis, Sjoegren's syndrome, or systemic lupus erythematosus. Each chapter reviews similar cases reported in the literature and presents current data on treatment options. Drawing on their vast clinical experience, the editors provide a series of detailed case reports in order to illustrate the different types of disease. The book is intended to facilitate early diagnosis and effective therapy in patients where a schematic approach may not prove sufficient. Sine Syndromes in Rheumatology will serve as a useful and easily accessible reference for specialists in rheumatology as well as for practitioners in the fields of internal medicine, pediatrics, and orthopedics.

Die Standardlehrbucher zur Immunologie bieten meist sehr komplexe und detaillierte Informationen, die beim Leser bestimmte Kenntnisse uber Biochemie, Physiologie und Mikrobiologie voraussetzen. Dieses Kompendium wurde fur den "Erstkontakt" mit dieser komplexen Thematik konzipiert. Wichtige Basisinformationen uber die Struktur und Funktion von Zellen des Immunsystems, uber Antikorper, Zytokine und andere regulatorischen Molekule, sowie uber Abwehrmechanismen gegen Infektionserreger und spontan entstehende Tumore werden ebenso beschrieben wie unspezifische und spezifische Immunantworten und Storungen des Immunsystems durch Autoimmerkrankungen oder Allergien. Aufgrund der didaktischen Aufbereitung und den zahlreichen anschaulichen Abbildungen ist dieses Werk bestens als Nachschlagewerk und Lehrbuch fur Studenten der Medizin und Naturwissenschaften geeignet."

This dictionary provides a comprehensive list of the terms and definitions commonly used in clinical rheumatology and osteology, and the new edition has been extended to include more than 50 additional entries. The book contains systematic descriptions relating to diseases of the locomotor apparatus, including osteoporosis, and important laboratory findings; special reference is made to the immunological parameters, which are essential for correct definition of rheumatologic disorders. Another focus is the general principles of pharmacological treatment, including biologicals and modern therapy. Information is also provided on individual disorders in the field of mineral metabolism and metabolic osteopathies and basic issues in rheumatic surgery. General entries are included from the fields of physical medicine and physiotherapy, including a system of functional assessment. The Dictionary of Rheumatology will be of value for medical students and all who are training in this specialty.

Rheumatic Diseases and Osteoporosis are very common diseases. Recently the prevalence of Arthritis among American citizens is documented with 20%. This dictionary provides a comprehensive list of common terms and definitions in clinical rheumatology and osteology. It contains systematical descriptions selected from diseases of the locomotor apparatus, including osteoporosis, and important laboratory findings with special reference to the immunological parameters, which are essential for a correct definition of rheumatologic disorders. Another focus is placed on general principles of the pharmacological treatment, including Biologicals and modern therapy. The book also provides information about the individual disorders from the field of mineral metabolism and metabolic osteopathy s, and covers basic issues of rheumatic surgery as well as general entries from the fields of physical medicine and physiotherapy, including a system of functional assessment.