This study investigates the link between MRI-detected inflammation and clinical outcomes in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) patients treated with a TNF inhibitor etanercept. Using data from the ESTHER trial, the study found a strong association between the resolution of inflammation on MRI and improved clinical outcomes, as measured by the ASDAS score. Specifically, reducing inflammation on sacroiliac joint MRI scans significantly predicted better clinical outcomes six months later.

This podcast is based on the publication Torgutalp M, et al. RMD Open. 2025 Jan 6;11(1):e004921.

and is developed with NotebookLM.

This research article investigates the relationship between osteo-proliferative lesions on finger phalanges, sex, age, and osteoarthritis. Using X-rays of 1153 patients, researchers examined the frequency and location of these lesions, finding that men showed more lesions than women, with age and osteoarthritis positively correlated with lesion extent. A modified Osseographic Scoring System was used to evaluate the findings, showing excellent inter-reader agreement. The study's anatomical dissection of a finger helped clarify the origin of these lesions, emphasizing the importance of differentiating normal aging changes from pathological conditions like psoriatic arthritis.

Based on Hermann S et al. Diagnostics 2022; 12: 618.

Develop with NotebookLM.

This study compares osteitis condensans ilii (OCI) and axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), focusing on their clinical, laboratory, and MRI characteristics. Researchers found that OCI predominantly affects women and lacks the inflammatory markers typical of axSpA. While both conditions can present with sacroiliac joint osteitis on MRI, OCI shows anterior localization and an absence of erosions, distinguishing it from axSpA. The study highlights the challenges in differentiating these conditions and emphasizes the need for comprehensive clinical and imaging assessment. The findings provide valuable information for the differential diagnosis of these two conditions.

This episode is based on Poddubnyy D, et al. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2020;59(12):3798-3806.

and developed with NotebookLM.

This episode focuses on a randomized, placebo-controlled trial that evaluated the efficacy of infliximab, a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor, in alleviating chronic low back pain in patients with Modic type 1 changes (degenerative disc disease with bone marrow edema) identified on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The results indicate that TNF blockade is not effective for this condition.

This podcast is based on the publication by Gjefsen E, et al (2024)

and was developed with NotebookLM.

This article presents expert consensus recommendations for diagnosing and treating chronic non-bacterial osteitis (CNO) in adults. A systematic review of existing literature and a multidisciplinary expert panel informed the creation of a standardized disease definition and proposed the term "CNO" to replace previous, less precise terminology. The recommendations cover diagnostic imaging, laboratory testing, and a tiered treatment approach starting with NSAIDs and moving to intravenous bisphosphonates or TNF-α inhibitors as needed. Long-term follow-up and a multidisciplinary care team are emphasized, along with a research agenda to improve understanding and treatment of this rare condition.

This episode of RheumaCast deals the long-anticipated global consensus on MRI protocols for the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA).

Experts from ASAS and SPARTAN, including radiologists and rheumatologists, have developed a comprehensive, standardized imaging protocol designed to maximize diagnostic accuracy and aid early identification of axSpA. The protocol specifies a four-sequence approach focusing on inflammation, structural damage, and bone-cartilage interface visualization—essential elements to ensure consistency in detecting sacroiliitis and distinguishing it from other conditions.

This podcast is based on the publication ⁠Lambert R, et al. Ann Rheum Dis 2024 Aug 6:ard-2024-225882⁠

and is developed with NotebookLM.

This episode of RheumaCast dives into the latest expert guidelines from the Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society (ASAS) for imaging referrals in patients with suspected or confirmed axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). We explore how these recommendations, designed by an international task force, aim to improve communication between rheumatologists and radiologists, ensuring imaging requests are precise, informative, and clinically relevant. By standardizing essential clinical data in referral forms, these guidelines support more accurate diagnoses, enhanced report quality, and ultimately better patient management in axSpA. Join us as we discuss the significance, application, and expected impact of these recommendations in clinical practice.

This podcast is based on the publication Diekhoff T, et al. Ann Rheum Dis 2024 Sep 24:ard-2024-226280

and is developed with NotebookLM.