ACR on Air

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.

Dr. Amanda Nelson, a rheumatologist and epidemiologist specializing in osteoarthritis and machine learning, joins Dr. Bella Mehta, an academic rheumatologist focused on health disparities and big data, to discuss the transformative role of AI in healthcare. They explore AI's potential in enhancing diagnostic accuracy, patient personalization through digital twins, and the analysis of medical images using deep learning. The conversation navigates the promise of AI in rheumatology while addressing ethical considerations and the need for careful oversight to ensure equitable and effective use.

Dr. Tanaz Kermani, founder of the Vasculitis Program at UCLA, dives into the complexities of ANCA-associated vasculitis. She discusses when to choose rituximab over cyclophosphamide and the potential of avacopan as an adjunct therapy. The conversation covers critical decision-making in steroid tapering and the viability of plasma exchange. Kermani also highlights the significance of accurate diagnosis through biopsies, emphasizing the role of pathologists in managing this rare autoimmune disorder.

Dr. Sara McCoy, a dedicated rheumatologist and Sjögren's specialist, delves into the complexities of Sjögren’s Disease, which intricately impacts multiple organs beyond dry eyes and mouth. She discusses how patients' antibody profiles can reveal disease severity, and the potential of advanced diagnostics like salivary gland ultrasounds. Excitingly, she highlights pioneering uses of mesenchymal stromal cells that may transform treatment options. The importance of structured diagnosis and support networks for patients is also emphasized, shedding light on the future of Sjögren's research.

Dr. Greg Gardner, Emeritus Professor of Medicine at the University of Washington and a champion for underserved communities, joins to discuss highlights of the upcoming Convergence event. He shares insights into innovative educational strategies and the importance of in-person networking. The conversation covers adaptations made for a post-pandemic audience, must-attend sessions, and accessibility initiatives. Listeners get the scoop on enhancing their experience in Washington D.C. and utilizing upgraded event apps.

Dr. Bharat Kumar, a clinical rheumatologist and allergy immunologist at the University of Iowa, sheds light on inborn errors of immunity (IEI). He discusses the challenges in diagnosing IEI, especially their symptom overlap with rheumatic diseases. The importance of a detailed clinical history and collaboration between specialties is emphasized. Dr. Kumar also covers advancements in treatments, the role of cytokine profiles, and the significance of specialized training in allergy immunology for better patient care.

Join Dr. Shah, a healthcare professional specializing in rheumatic diseases, as he discusses the power of self-management strategies. He emphasizes patient empowerment beyond medication, unveiling tools to improve quality of life. The conversation dives into managing stress and sleep, addressing their impact on disease flares and overall health. Dr. Shah also highlights advocacy efforts for better healthcare policies and encourages listeners to participate in improving support for those affected by rheumatic diseases.

Dr. Kelly Weselman, Chair of the ACR Ethics Committee, delves into the murky waters of ethical dilemmas in rheumatology. She discusses the balancing act between patient autonomy and medical recommendations, highlighting how tech advancements complicate these issues. The conversation navigates the tough terrain of access to care, treatment costs, and conflicts of interest with pharmaceutical companies. Weselman emphasizes maintaining ethical standards and transparency while addressing the challenges posed by defensive medicine and evolving patient demographics.

Dr. Philip J. Mease, a leading rheumatologist specializing in psoriatic arthritis, provides invaluable insights into diagnosing and treating PsA. He discusses the importance of differentiating joint pain causes and highlights the role of collaboration between dermatologists and rheumatologists. Dr. Mease also explores treatment advancements, including the significance of biomarkers and aggressive strategies to minimize long-term damage. Additionally, he dives into gender differences in treatment responses and the challenges of managing complex cases, advocating for a multidisciplinary approach.

Adam J. Brown, MD, a leading voice in rheumatology and host of the Rheumination podcast, discusses the fascinating evolution of the field. He chronicles its journey from ancient understandings to a specialized discipline recognized in the 1970s. Key historical figures and treatments, including the transformation from unorthodox remedies to modern biologics, are examined. Brown also highlights the importance of storytelling in patient communication and the educational value of historical context in improving rheumatology training.