ACR on Air
ACR Convergence 2024: Emerging Threats in Rheumatology
Nov 17, 2024
Dr. Jose Kennedy Amaral Pereira, a rheumatologist from Brazil specializing in chronic chikungunya arthritis, joins Dr. Daniela DiMarco, an infectious disease physician focusing on STIs. They delve into the alarming rise of chikungunya in Brazil, comparing it to dengue and discussing its severe joint pain symptoms. The duo emphasizes the difficulty of distinguishing chronic chikungunya from rheumatoid arthritis. They also tackle the complexities of diagnosing syphilis, especially its mimicking of rheumatic diseases, underscoring the importance of precise testing in rheumatology.
51:01
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Quick takeaways
- Chikungunya arthritis and syphilis present significant diagnostic challenges in rheumatology, often mimicking more common autoimmune disorders, necessitating heightened clinician awareness.
- The resurgence of syphilis highlights the impact of social determinants on health and the complexity of accurately diagnosing infections with rheumatic-like symptoms.
Deep dives
Chikungunya Epidemic in Brazil
Chikungunya fever has become a significant public health concern in Brazil, characterized by its high prevalence due to favorable climate conditions for Aedes mosquitoes. The country recently reported approximately 400,000 cases within a single year, contrasting with no reported cases in Europe during the same period. Chikungunya presents acutely with severe symptoms including high fever, polyarthritis, and myalgia, resembling rheumatoid arthritis flares. Distinguishing chikungunya from other rheumatic diseases is crucial, as a notable percentage, around 40-50%, of chikungunya patients can develop chronic arthritis, impacting their quality of life.
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