Trends and Diagnosis of Autoimmune Diseases

A special issue of Diagnostics (ISSN 2075-4418). This special issue belongs to the section "Pathology and Molecular Diagnostics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 August 2026 | Viewed by 1267

Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Medicine B, Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Ramat Gan 5262100, Israel
Interests: comorbidities of ankylosing spondylitis; early diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis; new bone formation; prevention of psoriatic arthritis; enthesitis and enthesopathy
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Guest Editor Assistant
Internal Medicine B, Sheba Medical Centre, Ramat Gan 5262000, Israel
Interests: osteoporosis; autoimmune diseases

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleague,

Autoimmune diseases are a heterogeneous group of disorders driven by immune dysregulation and self-reactivity, presenting major diagnostic and clinical challenges. This Special Issue, “Trends and Diagnosis of Autoimmune Diseases,” aims to highlight advances in the detection, classification, and understanding of autoimmune conditions. We welcome contributions focused on innovative diagnostic tools, biomarkers, and imaging methods, as well as studies exploring emerging trends in incidence, presentation, and disease progression. A particular emphasis will be placed on the epidemiologic and clinical interplay between autoimmune diseases and comorbid conditions such as cardiovascular disease, malignancy, and other immune- and inflammation-mediated disorders. Understanding these associations may enhance our ability to recognize underlying autoimmune mechanisms and improve diagnostic accuracy. We invite original research, comprehensive reviews, and well-documented case reports that address current gaps and drive forward diagnostic and clinical practice in autoimmunity.

Prof. Dr. Abdulla Watad
Guest Editors

Dr. Yonatan Shneor Patt
Guest Editor Assistant

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Keywords

  • autoimmunity
  • diagnosis
  • biomarkers
  • comorbidities
  • epidemiology
  • metabolic syndrome
  • autoinflammatory conditions
  • psoriasis
  • cardiovascular disease

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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15 pages, 721 KB  
Article
Increased Risk of Incident Uveitis Among Patients with Psoriasis: A Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study
by Scott Ehrenberg, Yoav Elizur, Niv Ben-Shabat, Paula David, Kassem Sharif, Yossef S. Bernstein, Ibrahim Abu Hilwe, Arnon D. Cohen, Abdulla Watad, Howard Amital and Yonatan Shneor Patt
Diagnostics 2026, 16(4), 627; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics16040627 - 21 Feb 2026
Viewed by 742
Abstract
Background: Psoriasis is a chronic systemic inflammatory disease with established extra-cutaneous manifestations. While the association between uveitis and spondyloarthritis (SpA)-related disorders is well recognized, the incident risk of uveitis among broader psoriasis populations remains inadequately defined due to methodological limitations and inconsistent findings [...] Read more.
Background: Psoriasis is a chronic systemic inflammatory disease with established extra-cutaneous manifestations. While the association between uveitis and spondyloarthritis (SpA)-related disorders is well recognized, the incident risk of uveitis among broader psoriasis populations remains inadequately defined due to methodological limitations and inconsistent findings across previous studies. We aimed to estimate the incidence of uveitis in a large, nationwide population-based cohort and identify specific clinical and treatment-related predictors of ocular inflammation. Methods: This retrospective cohort study utilised electronic health records from Clalit Health Services, Israel’s largest health maintenance organization (2002–2024). We identified 157,360 patients with dermatologist-confirmed psoriasis and 156,927 age- and sex-matched controls. The primary outcome was incident uveitis, with risk estimated using Cox proportional hazards models. Within the psoriasis cohort, multivariable logistic regression was employed to identify predictors of uveitis, ensuring appropriate temporal sequencing between psoriasis treatment exposure and outcome. Results: Over a median follow-up of 12.6 years, psoriasis was associated with a significantly higher risk of incident uveitis (adjusted Hazard Ratio [aHR] 1.80; 95% CI, 1.50–2.15). Stratified analysis revealed a graded risk pattern: mild psoriasis showed no increased risk (aHR 1.01; 95% CI, 0.91–1.13), whereas severe disease (aHR 1.59; 95% CI, 1.25–2.03) and concomitant SpA (aHR 2.21; 95% CI, 1.87–2.61) demonstrated markedly elevated risks. Within the psoriasis cohort, independent predictors included SpA, diabetes mellitus, systemic lupus erythematosus, and sarcoidosis. Exposure to biologics, particularly etanercept (OR 3.37; 95% CI, 2.42–4.54), was associated with higher odds of uveitis, potentially reflecting higher disease severity. Conclusions: Incident uveitis risk in psoriasis is primarily driven by the magnitude of systemic inflammatory burden, with the highest risk observed in severe disease and those with concomitant SpA. Clinicians should maintain heightened vigilance for ocular symptoms in these high-risk subgroups to ensure timely intervention. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trends and Diagnosis of Autoimmune Diseases)
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22 pages, 1878 KB  
Case Report
Pediatric Sjögren’s Disease: Literature Review and Diagnostic Challenges in an Uncommon Case
by Otilia Elena Frăsinariu, Dragoș Florin Teșoi, Anca Cardoneanu, Ileana Katerina Ioniuc, Ana Maria Scurtu, Elena Cojocaru, Larisa Ioana Teșoi, Ionut Daniel Iancu, Anamaria Laura Buga and Ingrith Crenguța Miron
Diagnostics 2026, 16(12), 1926; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics16121926 (registering DOI) - 22 Jun 2026
Abstract
Background and Clinical Significance: Childhood-onset Sjögren’s disease (cSjD) is a rare autoimmune disorder that remains challenging to diagnose because of its heterogeneous clinical presentation and the frequent absence of classic sicca symptoms at disease onset. Recurrent parotitis and systemic manifestations often predominate in [...] Read more.
Background and Clinical Significance: Childhood-onset Sjögren’s disease (cSjD) is a rare autoimmune disorder that remains challenging to diagnose because of its heterogeneous clinical presentation and the frequent absence of classic sicca symptoms at disease onset. Recurrent parotitis and systemic manifestations often predominate in pediatric patients, contributing to diagnostic delay and potential irreversible glandular damage. Early recognition is essential to prevent complications and improve long-term outcomes. Case Presentation: We report the case of a 17-year-old female diagnosed with primary Sjögren’s disease following a prolonged history of recurrent parotid involvement and progressive glandular dysfunction. Comprehensive evaluation revealed positive anti-SSA antibodies, hypergammaglobulinemia, characteristic salivary gland ultrasonography abnormalities, and a positive minor salivary gland biopsy, resulting in fulfillment of all domains of the 2016 ACR/EULAR classification criteria. The patient also exhibited unusual vascular findings, including carotid atheromatous calcifications in the absence of traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Conclusion: This case highlights the diagnostic complexity of cSjD and underscores the value of a multimodal diagnostic approach integrating clinical assessment, serology, imaging, and histopathology. The presence of early vascular abnormalities broadens the spectrum of potential extraglandular manifestations and emphasizes the need for comprehensive evaluation and long-term monitoring in affected patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trends and Diagnosis of Autoimmune Diseases)
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