Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
5.2
2.9
Journals
JCM
Special Issues
Arthritis: From Diagnosis to Treatment
jcm-logo
Submit to JCM Review for JCM Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

► Journal Menu

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser
share announcement

Arthritis: From Diagnosis to Treatment

A special issue of Journal of Clinical Medicine (ISSN 2077-0383). This special issue belongs to the section "Immunology & Rheumatology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 November 2025) | Viewed by 6435

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Andrea Di Matteo

E-Mail
Guest Editor
1. Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
2. Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, National Institute for Health Research, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK
Interests: rheumatoid arthritis; psoriatic arthritis; imaging; ultrasound; DMARDs; differential diagnosis
Dr. Kulveer Mankia

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
2. Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, National Institute for Health Research, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK
Interests: preclinical and early rheumatoid arthritis (RA); RA prevention; ultrasound and MRI; palindromic rheumatism; mucosal autoimmunity and RA; clinical trials in RA
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to invite you to contribute to our upcoming Special Issue on inflammatory arthritis. Inflammatory arthritis, including conditions like rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA), affects millions of people worldwide, causing pain and a reduced quality of life.

Despite important advancements in arthritis research, significant challenges remain, particularly in the early diagnosis of these conditions and the development of personalized treatments tailored to individual patients. This Special Issue aims to address these issues by focusing on innovative diagnostic methods, such as advanced imaging techniques, and a deeper understanding of disease mechanisms. It will also explore cutting-edge treatments, including disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), biologics, and targeted therapies.

A key goal of this Special Issue is to improve how healthcare professionals differentiate between similar types of arthritis, enabling quicker and more accurate diagnoses, and to better assess the extra-articular manifestations of these diseases.

By encouraging contributions from researchers across the globe, this Special Issue hopes to gather innovative ideas that can enhance arthritis care. Ultimately, the goal is to provide patients with faster diagnoses and more effective, tailored treatments, closing gaps in current medical approaches and improving overall outcomes for those living with inflammatory arthritis.

We look forward to your valuable contributions!

Dr. Andrea Di Matteo
Dr. Kulveer Mankia
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Journal of Clinical Medicine is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • rheumatoid arthritis
  • psoriatic arthritis
  • imaging
  • ultrasound
  • DMARDs
  • differential diagnosis
  • difficult to treat rheumatoid arthritis
  • prevention

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (6 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review, Other

18 pages, 670 KB  
Article
Pre-Exercise Factors Associated with the Magnitude of Exercise-Induced Hypoalgesia in Individuals with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Cross-Sectional, Observational Study
by David Toomey, Gwyn Lewis, Jo Nijs, Usman Rashid, Natalie Tuck and David Rice
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(22), 8086; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14228086 - 14 Nov 2025
Viewed by 730
Abstract
Background: The magnitude of exercise-induced hypoalgesia (EIH) varies across individuals with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Impaired EIH may limit the pain-relieving effects of exercise and reduce exercise adherence. This study aimed to identify key factors associated with EIH in knee OA. Methods: [...] Read more.
Background: The magnitude of exercise-induced hypoalgesia (EIH) varies across individuals with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Impaired EIH may limit the pain-relieving effects of exercise and reduce exercise adherence. This study aimed to identify key factors associated with EIH in knee OA. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 119 participants (mean age 68 ± 10) with knee OA. Pre-exercise assessments, including validated questionnaires and quantitative sensory testing were undertaken. EIH was evaluated by measuring pressure pain thresholds (PPT) at the knee and forearm before and after quadriceps isometric resistance exercise. Linear regression and mixed models were used to identify factors associated with the magnitude of EIH and sources of variance in EIH. Results: EIH was greater at the knee compared to the forearm (p < 0.01), with considerable inter-individual variability. Older age, less anxiety, and expecting less exercise-induced pain were associated with increased EIH (all p < 0.05). However, all measured variables explained <20% of the variance in EIH, with unobserved between-participant factors estimated to account for ≥45% additional variance. Conclusions: Age, pre-exercise anxiety, and pain expectations are associated with the magnitude of EIH after resistance exercise in people with knee OA. However, the contribution of these factors was modest, with much of the inter-individual variance in EIH remaining unexplained. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Arthritis: From Diagnosis to Treatment)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 391 KB  
Article
Global Disease Control in Inflammatory Arthritis Patients with Fibromyalgia Multi-Failure to Biologic Drugs: Short-Term Impact of Target Therapies on Both Disease Courses
by Cinzia Rotondo, Silvia Stefania, Luigi Nardella, Ripalta Colia, Nicola Maruotti, Valeria Rella, Giuseppe Busto, Raffaele Barile, Francesco Paolo Cantatore and Addolorata Corrado
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(19), 6703; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14196703 - 23 Sep 2025
Viewed by 499
Abstract
Background: Fibromyalgia syndrome (FS) is one of the most common causes of chronic generalised pain and often complicates the therapeutic management of inflammatory chronic arthritis (ICA), negatively impacting both the real assessment of disease activity and the perception of response. Our study [...] Read more.
Background: Fibromyalgia syndrome (FS) is one of the most common causes of chronic generalised pain and often complicates the therapeutic management of inflammatory chronic arthritis (ICA), negatively impacting both the real assessment of disease activity and the perception of response. Our study aims to evaluate in a group of patients with ICA, multi-resistant to biologic/target synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (b/ts-DMARDs), both the impact of FS on the possibility of achieving low disease activity (LDA) or remission (REM) and the possible improvement in the severity of FS symptoms, after starting b/ts-DMARDs with different a mechanism of action (MoA). Methods: A prospective study was conducted, from January 2023 to December 2024, on patients who fulfil the classification criteria for psoriatic arthritis (PsA) or fulfil the 2010 American College of Rheumatology criteria for RA. Results: Sixty-four Caucasian patients with ICA, of which 47 with FS, were enrolled in the study. At the baseline visit, FS patients had a significantly shorter ICA disease duration, worse fibromyalgia symptom-related indices (such as Fibromyalgia Severity Scale (FSS), Widespread Pain Index (WPI), and Symptom Severity Scale (SSS)) and functional and disability scores (such as health assessment questionnaire (HAQ) and Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy (FACIT)), and a higher basal value of Disease Activity in Psoriatic Arthritis (DAPSA) score compared to patients without FS. After 6 months of starting b/ts-DMARDs, no differences in severity of arthritis clinimetric indices (disease activity score (DAS) 28 (erythrocyte sedimentation (ESR)) and DAPSA) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain were found between the patients with FS compared to those without. At the follow-up visit, 36% of the whole group of patients were in LDA (36% ICA patients with FS vs. 35% of ICA patients without FS; p = 0.080), while 17% of patients reached REM (11% ICA with FS vs. 35% ICA without FS patients; p = 0.031). The FS presence appeared to be a factor associated with failure to reach REM (OR 4.5 (95%CI: 1.1–17.8), p = 0.028), but not for achieving LDA (OR 2.7 (95%CI: 0.8–8.9), p = 0.099). The overall retention rate at 6 months was 79%; in particular, 11 patients discontinued treatment with b/ts-DMARD, 69% of whom belonged to the FS group (p = 0.489). Among the group of patients with ICA and FS, patients in LDA/REM presented an important improvement in FSS, SSS, and VAS pain, with the best percentage variation from the baseline of these indices compared to patients who did not achieve the LDA/REM. Of note, sixteen patients with FS at the baseline no longer met the diagnostic criteria for FS after 6 months of follow-up. Conclusions: The presence of FS seems to negatively impact the achievement of REM, but not LDA, in both RA and PsA patients, even in b/ts-DMARDs patients with multi-failure of at least two different MOAs. Only a cluster of patients with FS, presumably those with FS triggered and/or amplified by the chronic joint inflammatory process, appear to improve their perception of FS severity by achieving ICA LDA/REM. However, these findings require further supporting data for more accurate validation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Arthritis: From Diagnosis to Treatment)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research, Other

25 pages, 7213 KB  
Review
Psoriatic Arthritis: From Diagnosis to Treatment
by Renuka Kannappan, Sarah Kim, Arthur Lau and Lawrence H. Brent
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(22), 8151; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14228151 - 17 Nov 2025
Viewed by 1523
Abstract
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory arthritis associated with psoriasis, affecting joints, entheses, and the axial skeleton. While primary care providers and dermatologists frequently encounter psoriasis (PsO), early recognition of PsA remains critical to preventing irreversible joint damage. This paper is [...] Read more.
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory arthritis associated with psoriasis, affecting joints, entheses, and the axial skeleton. While primary care providers and dermatologists frequently encounter psoriasis (PsO), early recognition of PsA remains critical to preventing irreversible joint damage. This paper is written to provide a comprehensive overview of PsA, beginning with a clinical case that highlights diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. In this review, the epidemiology of PsA will be discussed, emphasizing its prevalence and risk factors among patients with PsO. The discussion extends to the underlying pathogenesis, focusing on genetic predisposition, environmental triggers, and key cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-17, and IL-23, that have become targets for advanced therapeutics. The clinical features of PsA are explored in detail, including peripheral and axial arthritis, enthesitis, dactylitis, and extra-articular manifestations. Diagnostic approaches are discussed, with a focus on the Classification Criteria for Psoriatic Arthritis (CASPAR) and Moll & Wright criteria. Additionally, we examine screening tools designed to facilitate early detection in dermatology clinics. Diagnostic modalities, including imaging and serologic markers, are reviewed. Finally, we explore the evolving landscape of PsA treatment, spanning conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARDs), biologic agents (bDMARDs), and targeted synthetic DMARDs (tsDMARDs). Given the increasing availability of cytokine-targeted therapies, an interdisciplinary approach between dermatologists and rheumatologists is essential for optimizing outcomes in PsA patients. Patients with PsA are cared for by rheumatologists, dermatologists, and primary care providers who help manage the comorbidities associated with PsA. By bridging primary care, dermatology, and rheumatology in the care of PsA, this paper aims to enhance understanding of PsA for facilitating early identification and timely intervention for improved patient care. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Arthritis: From Diagnosis to Treatment)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 1428 KB  
Review
Beyond Conventional Imaging: Nuclear Imaging in Rheumatoid Arthritis
by Helen Sugden, Andrea Di Matteo and Kulveer Mankia
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(22), 8127; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14228127 - 17 Nov 2025
Viewed by 586
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic inflammatory disease characterized primarily by symmetrical small joint inflammation and damage, often accompanied by anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (ACPA) and rheumatoid factor (RF) positivity. While conventional imaging modalities such as plain radiographs, ultrasound (US), and magnetic resonance imaging [...] Read more.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic inflammatory disease characterized primarily by symmetrical small joint inflammation and damage, often accompanied by anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (ACPA) and rheumatoid factor (RF) positivity. While conventional imaging modalities such as plain radiographs, ultrasound (US), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are widely used to assess articular and some extra-articular manifestations, each presents limitations in terms of accessibility, comprehensiveness, and diagnostic scope. Nuclear imaging techniques, including positron emission tomography (PET), scintigraphy, and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), offer whole-body imaging capabilities and the potential to simultaneously detect multi-system involvement, making them uniquely suited to the complex, systemic nature of RA. This review explores the current and potential roles of nuclear imaging in RA, highlighting its advantages in detecting both articular and extra-articular disease and its emerging promise as a routine tool in RA management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Arthritis: From Diagnosis to Treatment)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Other

Jump to: Research, Review

18 pages, 726 KB  
Systematic Review
Indication for Radial or Carpal Resurfacing for Wrist Arthritis in Elderly Patients (over 70): A Systematic Review of the Literature
by Adriano Cannella, Giulia Maria Sassara, Ludovico Caruso, Antonio Maria Rapisarda, Marco Passiatore, Vitale Cilli, Matteo Guzzini and Rocco De Vitis
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(17), 6063; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14176063 - 27 Aug 2025
Viewed by 1033
Abstract
Background: Wrist arthritis significantly impacts the quality of life in elderly populations. While total wrist arthroplasty and wrist arthrodesis are established treatments, partial resurfacing procedures are emerging as a solution offering advantages for patients over 70 years of age. Objective: To systematically evaluate [...] Read more.
Background: Wrist arthritis significantly impacts the quality of life in elderly populations. While total wrist arthroplasty and wrist arthrodesis are established treatments, partial resurfacing procedures are emerging as a solution offering advantages for patients over 70 years of age. Objective: To systematically evaluate the efficacy, safety, and functional outcomes of radial versus carpal resurfacing procedures for the management of wrist arthritis in patients over 70 years of age. Methods: A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted for studies published from these databases’ inception to May 2025. Studies reporting the outcomes of either radial or carpal resurfacing in patients ≥70 years of age with wrist arthritis were included. Primary outcomes were pain reduction, functional improvement, and complication rates. Results: Twenty studies met the inclusion criteria. Both carpal and radial resurfacing provided pain relief, with mean VAS scores ranging from 0 to 3.8 across studies and DASH scores ranging from 13 to 59 points, while carpal resurfacing showed better preservation of range of motion, with flexion/extension arcs of 27–65° compared to 22–46° for radial implants. Complication rates were comparable, though implant loosening was uncommon with both radial and carpal resurfacing. Both procedures demonstrated satisfactory patient-reported outcomes at midterm follow-up (median: 32 months; range: 6–84 months). Conclusion: In patients over 70 years of age with wrist arthritis, both radial and carpal resurfacing appear to be viable options with distinct advantages. Radial resurfacing may be preferred for patients with previous distal radius fractures, while carpal resurfacing offers better motion preservation and is indicated in SLAC and SNAC wrists. Patient selection should consider specific arthritis patterns, activity requirements, and comorbidities. Long-term studies are needed to evaluate durability beyond 5–10 years in this population. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Arthritis: From Diagnosis to Treatment)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

8 pages, 4982 KB  
Case Report
Cutaneous Nodules and Inflammatory Arthritis: Two Illustrative Cases of Rare Mimics of Rheumatoid Arthritis
by Reena Yaman, David J. DiCaudo, Olayemi Sokumbi, Michael M. Pham, Fawad Aslam, W. Leroy Griffing and Megan M. Sullivan
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(14), 4940; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14144940 - 12 Jul 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1395
Abstract
Background: Rheumatoid arthritis is a relatively common rheumatic disease that can present with inflammatory arthritis and subcutaneous nodules. Multicentric reticulohistiocytosis and fibroblastic rheumatism are rarer entities that also present with these features. Methods: Two cases, one of each of fibroblastic rheumatism and multicentric [...] Read more.
Background: Rheumatoid arthritis is a relatively common rheumatic disease that can present with inflammatory arthritis and subcutaneous nodules. Multicentric reticulohistiocytosis and fibroblastic rheumatism are rarer entities that also present with these features. Methods: Two cases, one of each of fibroblastic rheumatism and multicentric reticulohistiocytosis, are described highlighting characteristic clinical, radiographic, and histologic findings. A narrative review of the literature on these rarer conditions, compared with rheumatoid arthritis, is provided with a focus on articular and cutaneous findings, available information on disease presentations, and key contrasting features that can aid in diagnosis. Results: Radiographic erosion distribution and joint space narrowing, clinical nodule distribution and characteristics, and nodule histology can differ between these diseases. Conclusions: Multicentric reticulohistiocytosis and fibroblastic rheumatism should be considered in the evaluation of seronegative rheumatoid arthritis, especially in cases that do not respond predictably to standard therapies, and cutaneous nodule biopsy can aid in differentiating these three conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Arthritis: From Diagnosis to Treatment)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-6
Back to TopTop