Apsoriatic psoriatic arthritis

Abstract

Numerous features distinguish psoriatic arthritis (PsA) from other arthropathies, including the presence of psoriasis, distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint involvement, nail dystrophy, enthesitis, dactylitis and spinal involvement. Two decades ago, the presence of psoriasis was mandatory in the diagnosis of PsA. Up to 15% of patients had joint disease preceding psoriasis. In this group of patients, it may have been years after the onset of arthritis before the definitive diagnosis of PsA could be made. With advancements in treatment modalities, an accurate and proper diagnosis is relevant to the management of PsA. In their case report appearing in this issue, Taniguchi and Kamatani present a case with classical PsA without skin and nail lesions for 21 years. It may not be that unusual to encounter this in clinical practice, but we think it an opportune time to review the classification criteria and illustrate how the diagnosis of PsA can be made earlier. © 2007 Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology.