Psoriatic Arthritis

Rheumatology

Overview

Definition

Inflammatory arthritis associated with psoriasis.

Epidemiology

Occurs in up to 30% of patients with psoriasis.

Etiology & Risk Factors

  • Autoimmune
  • Genetic (HLA-B27)

Clinical Symptoms

  • Asymmetric oligoarthritis
  • Dactylitis (sausage digits)
  • Nail pitting
  • Psoriatic plaques

Clinical Approach

Diagnosis

  • Clinical diagnosis
  • X-ray ('pencil-in-cup' deformity)

Management

  • NSAIDs
  • Methotrexate
  • Biologics (TNF, IL-17, IL-23 inhibitors)

Complications

  • Joint destruction
  • Metabolic syndrome