FRI0466 Articular affection in systemic sclerosis: correlation of ultrasound findings with clinical, biological and radiographical findings

Objectives To evaluate the prevalence of subclinical synovitis in systemic sclerosis (SS), as well as the correlation of sonographic findings in hands with radiographs and with clinical-analytical parameters. In addition, the correlation with scales of functionality will be determined. Methods Cross-sectional observational-analytical study that included 40 patients with ES and 23 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) as a control group during the period 10/2015–03/2016. Clinical, analytical, immunological, ultrasound and the radiological characteristics of both groups and their respective statistical correlations were compiled. Results The mean age of the group with SS was 53.3±14.1 years; 87.5% were women and 75% of the cases were cutaneously limited. The average time of evolution of the disease was 6.8 years from the diagnosis. Regarding the clinical joint involvement in the carpus and hands, frank arthritis was present in 16 cases (40%), with an average of DAN: 3.77 and TAN: 1.57; with an average of EVA global pain: 30/100 and elevated CRP in 42.5% of cases. The prevalence of subclinical synovitis with ultrasound expression of synovial effusion ±synovial hypertrophy in the SS group was at carpal level (77%), FCM (60%), PFI 32.5%) and DFI (15%). The statistical linear correlation between findings of cortical erosions at the ultrasound level versus the radiological data was positive only in the involvement at the joint level FCM and FID. In the group with SS, the HAQ questionnaire had an average of 0.95 (mild disability) versus 0.77 in the RA group, and the average hand function score or Cochin index: 20.6 (moderate disability) against 17.5 of the RA group. There was no statistically significant correlation (χ²) between the elevated CRP values and these 2 questionnaires in the SS group. The radiological findings of calcinosis and acroosteolisis in the group with SS were double the cases of the group with RA (7 versus 3, and 14 versus 7 respectively). Conclusions Subclinical joint involvement in systemic sclerosis had a high prevalence, similar in rheumatoid arthritis, with ultrasound being a fundamental test when evaluating subclinical inflammatory activity. It also presents an important correlation with the findings found in radiographs in the same locations. Disclosure of Interest None declared