Aim of the work: using clinical and musculoskeletal ultrasonographic (MSUS) examination, we aimed to compare the frequency, pattern and main sites of peripheral enthesopathies in the lower limbs of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and Behcet’s disease (BD) patients and to evaluate their relation with different clinical, laboratory and functional parameters of both diseases. Patients and methods: Fifteen AS patients (Group I) and 22 BD patients (Group II) were examined clinically and by MSUS for enthesopathy at five entheseal sites of the lower limbs. A control group of 20 apparently healthy male volunteers was also included. An enthesopathy score was calculated for each patient according to the Glasgow ultrasound enthesitis scoring system (GUESS). Disease activity was assessed using the Bath AS Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) and the BD current activity form (BDCAF) in both groups respectively. Results: The GUESS score was significantly higher (p0.05), disease duration (p >0.05), spinal pain scores (p >0.05), local tenderness scores (p >0.05), morning stiffness scoree (p >0.05), total BASDAI (p >0.05), Bath AS metrology indices (p >0.05), AS Quality of life scores (p >0.05), radiographic scores (p >0.05), ESR (p >0.05) and CRP levels (p >0.05). In Group II, the mean GUESS score was significantly higher (p0.05) with disease activity.Conclusion: Ultrasonographic changes at the entheseal sites of the lower limbs are prevalent in both AS and BD. These changes are more frequently related to functional and articular involvement. MSUS is more sensitive than clinical examination in detecting enthesopathies of the lower limbs in both AS and BD patients.
Musculoskeletal ultrasonographic evaluation of lower limb enthesopathy in ankylosing spondylitis and Behcet’s disease: relation to clinical status and disease activity (PDF Download Available). Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/289379209_Musculoskeletal_ultrasonographic_evaluation_of_lower_limb_enthesopathy_in_ankylosing_spondylitis_and_Behcet%27s_disease_relation_to_clinical_status_and_disease_activity [accessed Jan 6, 2016]. |
