Studies suggest that 15% of psoriasis patients currently seeing a dermatologist have undiagnosed psoriatic arthritis. Since delayed diagnosis can lead to damaged joints, resulting in possible disability, dermatologists must keep this condition on their radar when visiting with their psoriasis patients. This slideshow breaks down important considerations to keep in mind when evaluating a patient for psoriatic arthritis.
Considerations for diagnosing psoriatic arthritis. (Viktar - stock.adobe.com)
Using CASPAR classification criteria, psoriatic arthritis was present in 30% of patients with Psoriasis. Studies suggest that 15% of patients followed by a dermatologist have undiagnosed psoriatic arthritis. Scalp psoriasis, perianal psoriasis and nail involvement increase the risk of developing psoriatic arthritis. (Viktar - stock.adobe.com)
CASPAR Criteria were published in 2006. They have a specificity of 98.7% and sensitivity of 91.4%. (Viktar - stock.adobe.com)
It is extremely important to recognize psoriatic arthritis early. Diagnostic Delay can lead to physical, functional and radiologic damage. Furthermore, achieving drug free remission is negatively correlated with delay in diagnosis. (Viktar - stock.adobe.com)
Distinguishing psoriatic arthritis from other arthritides is key to providing appropriate management and preventing unnecessary morbidity. The differential diagnosis of patients with joint pain and psoriasis include rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout and psoriatic arthritis. (Viktar - stock.adobe.com)
Rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis are both inflammatory arthropathies that can sometimes be confused. Several characteristics can help you distinguish rheumatoid arthritis from psoriatic arthritis, including: polyarticular involvement, symmetric joint involvement, absence of spinal disease, and proximal interphalangeal joint involvement. (Viktar - stock.adobe.com)
Gout is an inflammatory arthritis that is common in patients with psoriasis. It can be distinguished from psoriatic arthritis in the following ways: onset is rapid; it is usually monoarticular; and it spares the spine. (Viktar - stock.adobe.com)
Osteoarthritis is a common joint disorder affecting the aging population. It is associated with obesity and can be difficult to distinguish from psoriatic arthritis. The following are some distinguishing features: no inflammation, crepitations on exam, and it primarily affects weight bearing joints. (Viktar - stock.adobe.com)
Psoriatic arthritis has certain features that are suggestive and should help you distinguish the disease, including: asymmetric oligoarticular involvement, inflammatory, involve distal phalangeal joints, sacroiliac joint involvement, nail involvement. (Viktar - stock.adobe.com)
