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  • Article
    Correlation of Clinical Signs and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings in Patients With Lumbar Spondylosis
    (Turkish League Against Rheumatism, 2023) Altan, Lale; Ökmen, Burcu Metin; Tuncer, Tiraje; Sindel, Dilşad; Çay, Hasan Fatih; Hepgüler, Simin; Uğurlu, Hatice; Gurer, Gülcan; Sarıkaya, Selda; Melikoğlu, Meltem Alkan; Metin Ökmen, Burcu; Ayhan, Fikriye Figen; Duruöz, Mehmet Tuncay; Sezer, Ilhan
    Objectives: The purpose of the study was to contribute further to this debated topic by investigating the correlation of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings with the clinical picture in lumbar spondylosis patients. Patients and methods: This multicenter retrospective study (as part of the epidemiological project of the TLAR-OASG [Turkish League Against Rheumatism-Osteoarthritis Study Group]) included 514 patients (101 males, 413 females; mean age: 63.6±10.8 years; range, 40 to 85 years) who were diagnosed as lumbar spondylosis by clinical examination and direct X-ray between December 2016 and June 2018. Demographic characteristics of patients, Visual Analog Scale for pain, presence of radiating pain, Roland-Morris disability questionnaire, straight leg raise test, deep tendon reflexes, neurogenic intermittent claudication symptoms, any decrease of muscle strength, and abnormality of sensation were recorded. Lumbar MRI findings of the patients were recorded as positive or negative in terms of disc herniation, intervertebral disc degeneration, root compression, osteophytes, spinal stenosis. Statistical analysis was done to assess the correlation between the clinical symptoms, physical examination, and MRI findings. Results: Correlation analysis of the MRI results and the clinical findings showed a significant correlation between straight leg raise test and root compression (p<0.001, r=0.328) and a significant correlation between neurogenic intermittent claudication and spinal stenosis (p<0.001, r=0.376). Roland-Morris disability questionnaire had a significant correlation with all MRI findings (p<0.05, r<0.200). Conclusion: The results of this study corroborate the notion that diligent patient history and physical examination are more valuable than MRI findings, even though a higher incidence of abnormal MRI findings have been obtained in patients with disability and dermatomal radiating pain.
  • Article
    Citation - WoS: 2
    Citation - Scopus: 2
    Regional Variations in Psoriatic Arthritis: Insights From a Nationwide Multicenter Analysis in Türkiye
    (Turkish League Against Rheumatism, 2024) Kılıç, Erkan; Kılıç, Gamze; Tekeoğlu, İbrahim; Sargın, Betül; Kasman, Sevtap Acer; Alkan, Hakan; Nas, Kemal; Yurdakul, Ozan Volkan; Duruöz, Mehmet Tuncay; Ayhan, Fikriye Figen; Bodur, Hatice; Kandur, Yaşar; Sunar, İsmihan
    Objectives: The study aimed to investigate and compare clinical features, disease activity, and the overall disease burden among psoriatic arthritis (PsA) patients across seven distinct geographic regions in Türkiye. Patients and methods: A multicenter cross-sectional study involving 1,134 PsA patients from 25 referral centers across seven regions was conducted. Demographic and clinical characteristics, comorbidities, joint involvement, extra-articular manifestations, and disease activity measures were evaluated across regions. Results: A total of 1134 PsA patients from seven different geographic regions in Türkiye participated in this study. The highest number of participants was from the Marmara region (n=409), with subsequent representation from Central Anatolia (n=370), Aegean (n=139), Mediterranean (n=60), Black Sea (n=60), Eastern Anatolia (n=60), and Southeastern Anatolia (n=36) regions. There were significant variations in demographic profile, including age, body mass index, age of disease onset, educational status, comorbidities, and family history of both psoriasis and PsA. Clinical features, such as enthesitis, dactylitis, uveitis, and joint involvement, demonstrated significant variation across regions. Additionally, disease activity measures, including pain, patient and physician global assessments, acute phase reactants, disease activity indices, quality of life, and functional status, displayed considerable regional differences. Conclusion: This nationwide study revealed substantial regional diversity in demographic data, clinical characteristics, disease activity, and quality of life among PsA patients in Türkiye. These findings stress the need to customize treatment approaches to address regional needs and to conduct further research to uncover reasons for disparities. It is crucial to enhance region-specific approaches to improve patient care and outcomes for PsA.