Rheumatoid Arthritis: Maddali Bongi S

Arioli G, Maddali Bongi S, Pappone N. · Dipartimento di Riabilitazione e Reumatologia, Azienda Ospedaliera C. Poma, 46100 Mantova, Italia. · Reumatismo. · Pubmed #19132147 links to  free full text

Abstract: The rehabilitative approach for the patient with rheumatoid arthritis should be early, global and complementary to an early pharmacological therapy, in the context of a multidisciplinary approach, that should include physicians with different specialties and other health professionals. Evaluation scales assessing disability and quality of life are necessary for the rehabilitative approach. These can be classified in 2 groups: specific tools and generic tools, each evaluating different components of the health status. After the evaluation and the definition of the aims of the rehabilitation, a rehabilitative project, potentially including physical therapies, therapeutic exercises, occupational therapy and orthosis should be defined.

Melchiorre D, Calderazzi A, Maddali Bongi S, Cristofani R, Bazzichi L, Eligi C, Maresca M, Ciompi M. · Department of Medical and Surgical Critical Care, Rheumatology Unit, University of Florence, Italy. · Rheumatology (Oxford). · Pubmed #12709544 links to  free full text

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To define the diagnostic value of ultrasonographic (US) examination in comparison with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the assessment of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) involvement in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). METHODS: MRI and US examinations were performed in 33 patients (22 with RA and 11 with PsA). Alterations of the disc, alterations of the condyle and joint effusion were evaluated. RESULTS: Pathological changes of the TMJ were observed by MRI in 24 patients and by US in 31 patients. The sensitivity and specificity of US were calculated in comparison with MRI. The sensitivity was 72.2% and the specificity was 60% in the assessment of pathological changes of the TMJ. The sensitivity was 69.6% with specificity of 30.0% in the assessment of alterations of the disc; the sensitivity was 70.6% with specificity of 75.0% in the assessment of joint effusion. Significant concordance was not observed in the assessment of condylar alterations. CONCLUSIONS: US imaging appears able to detect different pathological changes of the TMJ and may be considered an important diagnostic tool for clinical evaluation of the TMJ in RA and PsA.

Cellerini M, Gabbrielli S, Maddali Bongi S, Cammelli D. · Section of Radiology, Department of Clinical Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, University of Florence, Italy. · Neuroradiology. · Pubmed #11326561 No free full text.

Abstract: We report the clinical and neuroradiological features of cerebral rheumatoid pachymeningitis with 1 year follow-up in two patients. MRI of the head enabled noninvasive diagnosis of both the meningeal abnormality and its complications, consisting of hypertensive hydrocephalus and superior sagittal sinus thrombosis, respectively. Dural sinus thrombosis, very uncommon in rheumatoid arthritis, was confirmed by phase-contrast MRA. Worsening of the pachymeningitis at follow-up was observed in both patients despite regression or stability of the clinical picture and long-term therapy.