Study of Musculoskeletal Involvement and Inflammatory Arthritis of the Hand and Wrist in Egyptian Systemic Sclerosis Patients

Abstract Background Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a complex autoimmune connective tissue disease characterized by widespread tissue and internal organ fibrosis, immune system activation, and vasculopathy. Articular symptoms are common and are associated with increased morbidity and mortality, ranging from arthralgia, tendon friction rubs to frank arthritis and contractures. Aim of the Work Is to study the musculoskeletal involvement and hand and wrist arthritis among Systemic Sclerosis patients. Patients and Methods This is a cross-sectional study with 30 SSc patients were selected from Rheumatology outpatient clinic and inpatient department Ain Shams University hospital. All the patients were diagnosed according to the 2013 American College of Rheumatology (ACR)/European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) SSc classification criteria. Informed consent was taken from all participating subjects. Results The mean age of all patients was (40 ± 9.9) years and the mean disease duration was 5.4 ± 4.1 years. Most patients were females, and some had positive family history of autoimmune disease. The majority of patients were receiving steroids, and some were receiving other medications. Regarding clinical manifestations, various symptoms were reported, including dysphagia, Raynaud’s phenomenon, digital ulcers, pitting scars, and telangiectasia. Joint space narrowing, erosions, osteophytes, and calcinosis were also observed in some patients. Conclusion In conclusion, this study sheds light on the musculoskeletal involvement and inflammatory arthritis of hand and wrist in SSc. However, further studies are needed to confirm these findings and explore other aspects of this disease.