Musculoskeletal involvement and ultrasonography update in systemic lupus erythematosus: New insights and review

Abstract

Ultrasonography has been rarely used to measure musculoskeletal and joint activity in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The aim of this review is to discuss the utility and reliability of this non-invasive diagnostic tool for the assessment of joint disease in SLE patients. In the last decade, several reports have highlighted the role of ultrasonography for a better evaluation of SLE-related musculoskeletal symptoms. The symptoms have also been associated with worse outcomes in SLE; therefore, it is essential to seek useful and accessible techniques for better understanding of such patients who are insufficiently assessed by standard physical examination.

Figure 1. a, b

Ultrasonography of a 55 yo woman with SLE presenting radio-carpal synovitis (synovial hypertrophy and fluid) (G1) (a); radio-carpal joint with power doppler signal (G3) in same SLE patient (b)