Recognizing psoriatic arthritis in the dermatology clinic.
Dermatologists care for patients with psoriasis in whom there exists an inherent risk of psoriatic arthritis, a condition with potential for causing joint damage and subsequent disability. Most patients have psoriasis for years before the development of psoriatic arthritis, and there may be a significant proportion of psoriasis patients with joint involvement that are cared for by the dermatologist. With the absence of a diagnostic measure, the criterion standard for recognizing or monitoring psoriatic arthritis remains the clinical assessment. Recognition of psoriatic arthritis in the psoriasis patient--and the dermatologist's ability to differentiate it from other types of arthritis--provide an opportunity to improve patient outcomes through early recognition and facilitation of intervention in collaboration with a rheumatologist.
Garg
Amit
A
Department of Dermatology, Rheumatic Skin Disease Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA. agarg@bu.edu
Gladman
Dafna
D
D015535:Arthritis, Psoriatic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology*; D003880:Dermatology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing; D006801:Humans; D010808:Physical Examination; D011859:Radiography; D012307:Risk Factors