Association of enthesopathy among patients diagnosed with Rheumatoid arthritis

Association of enthesopathy among patients diagnosed with Rheumatoid arthritis - Aim & Objective: The purpose of this study was to use ultrasonography at Tezpur Medical College and Hospital in Assam to assess the prevalence and distribution of enthesopathy in RA patients. Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a widely occurring autoimmune disorder that primarily targets the synovial membranes of small joints. However, it can also present with symptoms outside the joints. One such symptom, enthesopathy, is often difficult to diagnose clinically. Ultrasonography has emerged as a newer technique for identifying enthesopathy. Materials and Methods: There were 14 healthy controls and 29 RA patients in the study. Six entheses sites were graded using the Madrid Sonography Enthesitis Index (MASEI) and analyzed using Doppler ultrasound and a linear transducer in order to evaluate enthesopathy. Results: Enthesopathy in RA patients was successfully identified by ultrasonography. The enthesopathy scores at the plantar aponeurosis and Achilles tendon insertions showed statistically significant variations. Compared to healthy controls, RA patients had a significantly higher overall enthesopathy score. Conclusion: Enthesal abnormalities were shown to be highly prevalent in RA patients assessed by ultrasonography. Keywords: Rheumatoid arthritis, Enthesitis, Ultrasonography, Enthesopathy.