Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common rheumatologic disease characterized by inflammation with a definite relationship with heart disease. Impaired immunity, chronic inflammation, genetic susceptibility, autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction, altered metabolic profile have been blamed for ischemic and non-ischemic heart diseases in RA patients. Medications used in RA treatment can also modify the risk of heart diseases by different mechanisms. Understanding the pathogenesis is essential to prevent early cardiac dysfunction in RA patients. Fundamental cellular and molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis await further elucidation. Disease management is of great importance since the cardiovascular (CV) events are known to be reduced with low disease activity. Discovery of new mechanisms will pave the way for the development of novel treatment modalities. This review highlights the epidemiology, pathogenesis, risk factors, diagnosis and screening methods and management of CV comorbidities in RA patients. Besides impact of RA medications and exercise on CV risk are summarized.

Soft tissue sarcoma (STS) is a rare malignancy with a high incidence. Early diagnosis can reduce the rate of amputations and increase survival, however, this is typically delayed. The diagnosis and treatment of smaller lesions have a better prognosis; nonetheless, patients present to physicians when the soft tissue mass is large with obvious signs of red flags. In addition, the symptoms of this disease are highly non-specific and overlap greatly with benign conditions, resulting in a lack of clinical suspicion and low awareness among practitioners and the general public. Thusly, it is entitled as “the loneliest cancer”. This can make an accurate diagnosis difficult, with a great proportion of misdiagnoses leading subsequent inadvertent to incomplete STS excision, affecting the overall prognosis of the disease and devastating consequences in the disease process. A timely and precise diagnosis is essential because half of people with STS progress toward quietly aggressive illness. The purpose of this review is to raise awareness of STSs so that early recognition, accurate work-up, overview of conventional treatment plans, and appropriate referral to a tumor center can be achieved, avoiding whoop situations, and improving patient outcomes. In addition, insight into the advances in immunotherapy, nanotechnology, and artificial intelligence (AI) can lead to STS diagnosis and treatment prognosis.

In this review article, newborn hip screening experience in Türkiye was summarized. The nationwide newborn hip screening program was officially initiated in 2013. The program currently includes the ultrasonographic examination of the hips of almost all newborns within the first two months of life. The rate of minor surgical interventions (closed/open reduction and casting) was 0.47 per 1,000 live births in 2015 and was 0.89 per 1,000 live births in 2020. Thus, an increase of 89% in the rate of minor surgical interventions was observed. The rate of major surgical interventions (pelvic/femoral osteotomies) was 0.74 per 1,000 live births in 2015 and was 0.21 per 1,000 live births in 2020. Thus, a decrease of 72% in the rate of major surgical interventions was observed between 2015 and 2020. While minor surgical interventions constituted about 39% of the overall surgical interventions in 2015, this ratio raised to 81% in 2020. Based on the experiences in Türkiye universal newborn ultrasonography (US) hip screening is advocated to lessen the rate of extensive surgeries in developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) during childhood and adulthood and to have as many as possible functional hips in the long-term follow-up of patients with DDH.

Surgeons are exposed to a high prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). The scientific issues surrounding this problem are generating a growing body of work. The aim of this study is to obtain quantitative and visual information from articles about WMSDs and surgeons through bibliometric analysis. The keywords “surgeon” and “work-related musculoskeletal disorders” were searched in the PubMed/Medline database until March 2024. Data extraction and visualization were performed using VOSviewer version 1.6.20. and Microsoft Excel on the overall distribution of publications by year, sources, articles, authors and keywords. A total of 173 English-language publications were extracted between 1982 and 2024. The number of publications has increased over the years. A significant increase was observed from 2016. America is the leader with 82/173 publications (47.4%) and 3,276 citations. Work [impact factor (IF): 2.3] is the first top source which has 7 articles followed by Surgical Endoscopy (IF: 3.1) with 5 publications. Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation (IF: 3.3) is the top journal with 681 citations for 2 publications. Hallbeck MS, Yu D, and Vijendern A are the most productive authors with 23 publications. The analysis showed that the United States and the UK are the two most productive countries (journals, authors, citations). The most frequently used keywords were “ergonomics”, “musculoskeletal disorders”, “work-related musculoskeletal disorders”, and “surgeons”. Bibliometric analysis has shown that the prevalence of WMSDs in surgeons is a topic showing significant growth, particularly since 2016, dominated by American researchers. A synthesis of the WMSD prevalence by body area has been made based on the most cited articles. This field has evolved considerably. From a rather subjective analysis of prevalence based on questionnaires, work has moved towards a more ergonomic assessment using objective evaluation tools.

Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) and axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) are diseases with inflammatory involvement of the axial skeleton that can result in new bone formation that may lead to total ankylosis of the spine and functional impairment of different extent in individual patients. In these diseases, the new bone formation may lead to total ankylosis of the spine and impaired mobility with functional impairment. This review will highlight the similarities and differences of these two conditions. In axSpA, the genetic background with the association with human leukocyte antigen-B27 (HLA-B27) is known for 50 years, while in DISH, a genetic contribution is not yet proven. The phenotype of new bone formation and its anatomic features are different between these diseases. In axSpA symmetric, thin and marginal syndesmophytes representing an ossification of enthesitic inflammation at the area of the attachment of the annulus fibrosus that may extend to the adjacent deeper layers anterior longitudinal ligament and are typical, while in DISH the so-called “chunky bridging osteophytes” grow as an additional layer on the anterior longitudinal ligament. Besides distinct anamnestic and clinical features, magnetic resonance imaging is helpful differentiating the two diseases since inflammatory changes with the typical pattern of axSpA are reliably visualized. Similar in both diseases is the high prevalence of vertebral fractures, which are mainly caused by the local osteoporosis and decreased flexibility of the affected bones, and therefore may occur even after minor traumata. The presence of extraarticular manifestations like uveitis, inflammatory bowel disease or psoriasis are only linked to axSpA. In contrast, DISH is associated with obesity, diabetes mellitus, and other metabolic diseases. Although DISH and axSpA are distinct conditions, the cooccurrence of these two diseases exists in some patients. Various therapeutic options are becoming available for axSpA, but no therapy has been approved for DISH yet.

Gout often presents as acute arthritis but may also present with chronic joint inflammation. For the diagnosis of an acute gout attack with its typical symptoms, the differentiation towards a bacterial joint infection is critical and mandatory. The detection of intracellular uric acid crystals in the synovial fluid of affected joints is important for the initial diagnosis of gout. In the case of a chronic course with polyarticular joint involvement, the differentiation from other inflammatory rheumatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can be challenging. The case presented here is of interest because the patient initially had characteristic clinical symptoms of tophaceous gout including a typical medical history—even though rheumatoid factor and anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (anti-CCP) were positive. The course of the disease and the critical evaluation of all findings also, and most interestingly, including histological results finally suggested a main diagnosis of RA.

Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) is a systemic condition characterized by the new bone formation and enthesopathies of the axial and peripheral skeleton. The diagnosis of DISH currently relies upon the end-stage radiographic criteria of Resnick and Niwayama, in which bridging osteophytes are present over at least four thoracic vertebras. The pathogenesis of DISH is not well understood, and it is currently considered a non-inflammatory condition with an underlying metabolic derangement. However, an inflammatory component was suggested due to the similarities between DISH and spondyloarthritis (SpA) in spinal and peripheral entheseal new bone formation. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the imaging modality of choice in the diagnostic work-up and follow-up of patients with SpA, as well as in understanding its pathogenesis. The aims of the current review were to evaluate the current and future role of MRI in imaging DISH.

Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) can lead to dysphagia, airway obstruction, and unstable vertebral fractures. Surgery can be performed to relieve cervical compression or stabilize fractures of the spinal column, with or without decompression of spinal cord injuries. In this review, the peri-operative surgical techniques in cases with DISH are discussed, as well as the pre-operative and post-operative pearls and pitfalls. It is essential for spine surgeons, including orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons, to be aware of the considerations, anticipations, and approaches for the management of dysphagia, airway obstruction, and fractures in DISH patients in order to improve patient outcomes for this specific at-risk patient population.

Hyperuricemia is known to be a necessary and causal condition for gout, but much more prevalent than gout. Medicine has standardized treatments for gout, but has no such determination for asymptomatic hyperuricemia. Nevertheless, people with hyperuricemia, gouty or not, too often continue to be at risk for shortened lifespans from life-threatening comorbidities, all of which are known to be consequences of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which is shown herein to cause most hyperuricemia. This review also presents the wide variety of OSA consequences, many of which are irreversible and life-threatening, as the rationale for treating all hyperuricemia (gouty and asymptomatic) by diagnostic testing and effective treatment for OSA as soon as hyperuricemia is detected. It advocates frequent ultrasonic screening for aggregated urate crystals. Multiple epidemiological studies have found OSA to be significantly more prevalent in those people with gout diagnosed with OSA than it is in those never diagnosed with it. A clinical study shows an even higher prevalence of OSA in people with gout. The pathophysiology of hypoxia from OSA explains how it would lead to both the overproduction and the underexcretion of uric acid, leading to hyperuricemia and the precipitation of monosodium urate crystals which cause a gout flare. Resolving OSA has been shown to prevent or even reverse life-threatening diseases that are recognized comorbidities of hyperuricemia and gout, and can prevent further gout flares. In order to extend the length and quality of life of people with gout or hyperuricemia, when either first manifests a patient sleep study is recommended, followed by effective OSA treatment as warranted.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory disease of unknown origin. Although it mainly affects joints, it can have extra-articular manifestations, with the lung being one of the most affected organs. The estimated incidence of diffuse interstitial lung disease (ILD) is 4 cases to 4.5 cases/1000 patient-years. The most common forms are usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) and nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP; 44–46% and 33–44%, respectively), although there have been reports of cases involving all the histopathologic forms described for the disease. RA-ILD is associated with specific risk factors, such as male sex, older age, smoking, and positive rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-citrullinated peptide antibody (ACPA) levels. The clinical course of ILD ranges from asymptomatic forms to rapidly progressive disease in a minority of cases. It has been estimated that the risk of death is up to 3-fold higher in patients with RA-ILD than in those without ILD, making RA-ILD the second most common cause of death after cardiovascular disease. Treatment of RA has improved considerably in recent years with the advent of biologics; however, the use of these agents has been restricted in patients with ILD owing to safety concerns. Many doubts continue to surround the treatment of patients with RA-ILD. Therefore, the objective of this review is to examine the current management of affected patients in terms of diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up.

Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated disorder affecting about 2% of the population worldwide which is associated with significant morbidity. The disease usually presents as raised, well-demarcated erythematous plaques with adherent silvery scales. Psoriasis can appear at any age but it has two peaks occurring at 15–20 and 55–60 years of age. It affects males and females equally. Despite the multitude of investigations about psoriasis and even development of drugs with satisfactory results, its pathogenesis is not fully understood yet and its course is unpredictable. Various environmental triggers, e.g., obesity, stress and drugs may induce disease in genetically susceptible patients. Although psoriasis was considered primarily as a disease of the skin, more investigations have been revealed its systemic nature. Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) may complicate up to one-third of cases of psoriasis vulgaris (PV). Also, the association between psoriasis and a variety of other immune-mediated disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and celiac disease (CD) has been confirmed in various studies. Moreover, a growing body of evidences indicates that psoriasis shares some common histological and phenotypical properties with the spectrum of osteoimmunological diseases such as Paget’s disease of bone (PDB). Thus, exploring the common molecular and genetic mechanisms underlying psoriasis and related disorders is of paramount importance for better elucidating disease pathogenesis and designing more targeted treatments.

Remote monitoring technologies (RMTs) are an emerging tool for assessing, monitoring, and following up on patients with chronic diseases including autoimmune rheumatic diseases (AIRDs). The best use of these exponentially expanding technologies warrants optimum evidence. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory process that requires close monitoring of disease activity, response to treatment, and the potential adverse effects. Though there are several studies that have explored RMTs in RA, there is little head-to-head comparison between the individual technologies or the standard of care. Before investing in potentially high-cost strategies like RMTs, it is prudent to estimate their pragmatic role in the management and potentially with long-term follow-up including drug titration. A thorough search of the literature was conducted across PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and WebOfScience databases for recent and relevant literature looking at the acceptance, practical utility, and outcomes in RA using RMTs. This scoping review aims to summarize the current level of evidence in favor of RMTs, estimate real-world benefits and costs, potential hazards and limitations, and finally, identify future studies needed before endeavoring to mainstream RMTs. It emphasizes randomized trials using RMTs, patients reported outcomes and disparities in the usage of RMTs.

Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) is a common condition that affects the spine and peripheral joints, characterized by the progressive ossification of ligaments and tendons. It is a non-inflammatory degenerative disease that affects predominantly the elderly population. It has been associated with reduced mobility and chronic pain, which can have a significant impact on patients’ quality of life (QOL). Although DISH has always been considered a benign condition, patients with DISH report higher levels of pain, stiffness, and disability compared to the general population. It can affect their ability to perform daily activities and participate in social and recreational activities. In addition, extra-spinal manifestations such as enthesopathy and involvement of peripheral joints, but still dysphagia and airway obstruction have been described in DISH. These, although not as common, when present result in signs and symptoms significantly impacting the patient’s QOL. The objective of this review is to assess the QOL in individual with DISH. This involves an examination of various facets of the condition, including pain, spinal and extraspinal manifestations, fractures, and metabolic syndrome.

Recent developments in digital health technologies are overwhelming, and their use in routine work is still difficult to anticipate. This narrative review summarizes the concept of consecutive cohorts in the literature, together with local research experiences in consecutive rheumatic outpatients. Digital health techniques have to reflect the clinicians’ needs, support real-life care of patients, and allow for the specific assessment of quality parameters fulfilling the Donabedian aspect of qualified health care, using quality indicators to improve health care and research. Rapidly growing observational cohorts will perform best to provide follow-up data as the basis for further development of healthcare approaches for rheumatic patients. The challenges of a selection bias, patients with limited disease expression, and chances of early detection of patients with rare diseases are addressed. For research purposes, sequential analyses with growing cohort size, comparative cross-sectional studies with sequential hypothesis testing and other prognostic, diagnostic, and therapeutic aspects of patient management can be performed. With the support of new technologies, young clinicians can easily approach such clinical topics, and learn about clinical data analyses. The use of quality standards as proposed in international recommendations for diagnostic issues and classification criteria, management recommendations, monitoring, and training issues can be supported by digital technologies. In conclusion, collaborative projects allow detailed clinical analyses of large cohorts, but local initiatives can prepare these co-operations, provide first local logistics and research experiences, and teach clinicians how to perform clinical research. Digital health technologies will strongly support these local initiatives.