Review article

https://doi.org/10.20471/acc.2023.62.04.18

Musculoskeletal Manifestations of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Ljiljana Smiljanić Tomičević ; Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Zagreb, School of Medicine, Zagreb University Hospital Center, Zagreb, Croatia
Marko Barešić ; Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Zagreb, School of Medicine, Zagreb University Hospital Center, Zagreb, Croatia
Miroslav Mayer ; Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Zagreb, School of Medicine, Zagreb University Hospital Center, Zagreb, Croatia
Branimir Anić ; Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Zagreb, School of Medicine, Zagreb University Hospital Center, Zagreb, Croatia

Abstract

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystem autoimmune disease that
most commonly affects the young, working, female population. Musculoskeletal manifestations are
one of the most prevalent and presenting features in SLE. Arthralgia, myalgia, non-erosive arthritis,
myositis but also tenosynovitis and enthesitis are present in more than 90% of SLE patients. Although
not considered very severe SLE manifestations, they significantly affect the patient’s quality of life
and daily functioning. Clinical assessment of joints, tendons, entheses, and muscles is still the gold
diagnostic standard. There are many radiological imaging methods, i.e., classic radiograms, ultrasound,
bone scintigraphy, and magnetic resonance imaging that provide morphological information regarding
damage and activity of musculoskeletal diseases in SLE and other rheumatic diseases. Musculoskeletal
ultrasound stands out as an accessible and affordable method. Recognizing musculoskeletal
manifestations may help establish an early diagnosis of SLE and assess disease activity, thus leading
to early initiation of treatment and preventing chronic and irreversible changes with a beneficial effect
on the quality of life.

Keywords

Systemic lupus erythematosus; Musculoskeletal; Arthritis; Myositis; Ultrasound

Hrčak ID:

320592

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/320592

Publication date:

31.12.2023.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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