PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

Witold Tłustochowicz

Publications and source records attributed to Witold Tłustochowicz.

5 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

[Serological markers of arthritis in patients with chronic viral hepatitis].

UNLABELLED: Wide range of different autoantibodies (e.g. rheumatoid factor, antinuclear antibodies, smooth muscle antibodies, anticardiolipin antibodies) can be detected in low titres in more than 70% of patients with chronic hepatitis. THE AIM OF THE STUDY: Prevalence of serological markers typical for rheumatic diseases in patients with chronic viral hepatitis was examined and the correlation between those markers and serum activity of liver enzymes was evaluated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 80 patients (30 female and 50 male aged 43.5 +/- 10 years) with chronic viral hepatitis hospitalized in Department of Internal Diseases and Rheumatology of Medical Military Institute in Warsaw were included in the study. 16 of patients were infected with hepatitis virus B, 60 with hepatitis virus C, 4 suffered from both infections. Blood morphology, ESR, CRP aminotransferases activity, protein and bilirubin levels were measured in every patient. Serological examination included levels of antinuclear antibodies (ANA), smooth muscle antibodies (SMA), LKM-1, antineutrophil antibodies (ANCA), anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL), antimitochondrial antibodies (AMA), circulating immunological complexes (CIC), cryoglobulins and rheumatoid factor. RESULTS: At least one serological marker was found in 60 (75%) patients. Latex fixation reaction was positive in 42 (54%), rheumatoid factor was present in 25 (31%), aCL in 28 (34%), pANCA in 22 (27%) and CIC in 16 (20%). Antibodies ANA, AMA, LKM-1 and cryoglobulins were less frequently observed (6%, 5.5% and 7% respectively). The presence of autoantibodies was more frequent in patients with hepatitis C (77% vs. 62%). AMA, LKM-1 and cryoglobulins were detected only in that group of patients. There was no correlation between liver enzymes activity and presence of serological markers of rheumatic diseases. CONCLUSIONS: Serological markers considered to be typical for rheumatic disorders were detected in 75% patients (especially in patients with HCV). There is no correlation between aminotransferases activity and tested serological.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

[Magnetic resonance imaging of the hand in rheumatoid arthritis].

The aim of the study was to show the magnetic resonance (MR) images of changes in hands of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The SE sequence T1-weighted (TR600, TE15) and fat-suppressed (A-250, TR1155, TE22) were obtained with 3 mm coronal scans and matrix 256 x 512, both before and after contrast medium administration. Knee coil was used. The images in both sequences of the following changes were obtained: bone erosions, synovitis, periarticular oedema, joint effusion, tendonitis and bone marrow oedema. The administration of intravenous contrast was found very useful. Changes of the joint synovium in osteoarthritis were characterised to differentiate them from changes due to RA. The authors suggest that MR imaging--because of its exceptional diagnostic value--may become a basic imaging method in evaluation of patients with RA.

Arthritis, Rheumatoid↗
PubMed2003

[Left ventricular function in rheumatoid arthritis patients].

BACKGROUND: The disproportion between the absence of clinical manifestations of circulatory system involvement and serious lesions in the heart found on post mortem examinations, more frequently diagnosed congestive circulatory failure and also higher mortality rate of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), encouraged the authors to study the subject. THE AIM OF THE STUDY WAS: Echocardiographic assessment of the effect of rheumatoid process on left ventricular structure, and systolic and diastolic function in patients with RA without clinically overt features of heart disease. METHODS: The study was conducted in 50 patients with RA diagnosed on the basis of the ACR criteria and in 50 persons matched with the patients with respect to age, gender, body area and body mass index, heart rate and arterial pressure. Persons with manifestations and/or history of cardiovascular diseases were excluded from the study. RESULTS: The authors found that: in RA, the involvement of the myocardium by the pathological process was manifested as increased wall thickness, increased mass and mass index of the left ventricle with impairment of its diastolic function and normal systolic function. With progressing rheumatoid process, left ventricular systolic function impairment was observed. Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in the course of rheumatoid arthritis usually was not manifested clinically.

Arthritis, Rheumatoid↗
PubMed2003

[Ultrasonography of the hand in rheumatoid arthritis].

Authors present the ability of ultrasonography and Color and power Doppler sonography in evaluation of the hand structures in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Imaging of bony contours allows to identify bone erosions. Thickness, oedema and presence of increased blood flow (hyperaemia) in the synovium in joints and tendon sheaths are characteristic features of an active inflammation. Changes of the tendon structure indicate its damage. US allows to image the carpal tunnel structures, to visualise changes of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel syndrome and gives possibilities to find the cause of its compression.

Arthritis, Rheumatoid↗