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Biomedical subjects

J C Gerster

Publications and source records attributed to J C Gerster.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1992

Destructive arthropathy of fingers in primary hypothyroidism without chondrocalcinosis. Report of 3 cases.

Three cases of undiagnosed primary hypothyroidism with high thyroid stimulating hormone values presented destructive arthropathy of the proximal interphalangeal joints. None had chondrocalcinosis, neuropathy, myopathy or sicca complex. Quick improvement followed hormonal therapy, which suggests that hormonal imbalance could be responsible for this particular rheumatic condition.

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PubMed1979

[Sacroiliac changes, HLA-B27 negative, in primary hyperparathyroidism and osteomalacia].

Radiological sacroiliac (SI) changes were found in 3 patients, 2 with primary hyperparathyroidism (1 also with associated chondrocalcinosis) and 1 with osteomalacia. Osteomalacia was due to celiac disease. None of the 3 patients, all females, had a history of psoriasis, urethritis, iritis or chronic colitis. There was no renal function impairment. Peripheral joints were affected in the patient with associated condrocalcinosis. HLA B 27 was negative in all cases. Low back pain and vertebral stiffness were present in the patient with osteomalacia. A dramatic improvement in pain and stiffness ensued after vitamin D injections. These SI lesions, which may simulate ankylosing spondylitis, were attributable to subchondral bone changes related to the metabolic bone diseases. In the case of osteomalacia the SI lesions were predominantly on the right side, where there was a Looser's zone on the ischial ramus suggesting that pseudofractures could be a cause of SI changes. Metabolic osseous diseases such as osteomalacia or primary hyperparathyroidism should be investigated in cases of HLA B 27 negative radiological "sacroiliitis".

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PubMed1979

Lumbar erosive intervertebral osteochondrosis. Anatomico-radiological study of a case.

A radiological and anatomical case study of intervertebral osteochondrosis is presented. X-rays reveal its evolution from an isolated Schmorl's node to a more diffuse lumbar intervertebral osteochondrosis. Macroscopical and microscopical post-mortem examination shows various degrees of disc deterioration with cartilaginous plate flaw and localized or diffuse intravertebral disc herniation. A discussion on the origin of this cartilaginous plate weakness and on the respective significance of the X-ray and biopsy in the differential diagnosis between intervertebral osteochondrosis and infectious spondylitis follows.

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PubMed1978

[Auricular fibrillation and acute aortic insufficienncy in Reiter's syndrome].

The case is presented of a 27-year old male with typical Reiter's sundrome (RS) and cardiac lesions. Eight months after the initial onset of the joint and mucosal symptoms, atrial fibrillation and signs of cardiac failure suddenly supervened. Rheumatic fever, hyperthyroidism and myocardial infarction were ruled out. Digitalization and Valsalva maneuvers produced a return to normal sinus rhythm. At the same time a diastolic murmur was heard and the diastolic pressure fell to 40 mm Hg, suggesting acute aortic insufficiency. This carditis was attributed to RS. The evolution was favourable, although a mild degree of aortic insufficiency persisted.

Adult↗
PubMed1978

Talalgia. A review of 30 severe cases.

Seronegative spondyloarthritides (Reiter's syndrome, ankylosing spondylitis, or psoriatic arthritis) was diagnosed in 24 of 30 patients with severe heel pain. Most of the patients were carriers of the antigen HLA B27. Talalgia was frequently the first symptom of disease. Heel surgery is contra-indicated during the inflammation phase, since it may cause local aggravation and risk of ankylosis of the talocalcaneal articulation. Other causes of heel pain include tendon chondrocalcinosis, local tuberculous infection, and nodular tendinitis caused by a partial rupture of the tendon. On the other hand, severe talagia was rarely found in rheumatoid arthritis, and no case was related to the presence of tophi or xanthomas of the Achilles tendon.

Achilles Tendon↗
PubMed1977

[Hemarthroses complicating anticoagulant therapy (heparin, oral anticoagulants)].

Three patients with hemarthrosis complicating anticoagulant therapy are described. Two had acute hemarthrosis of the knee joint occurring during long term oral anticoagulant therapy for cardiovascular disorders. Joint symptoms disappeared rapidly after arthrocentesis and diminution of the dose of oral anticoagulant medication. The third patient has been on chronic hemodialysis for the last three years. After 2 years of this therapy he developed periarthritis of the right shoulder, followed suddenly by hemarthrosis of the right shoulder which remained symptomatic for 9 months in spite of several joint aspirations and reduction in the dosage of heparin administered during hemodialysis. Resolution of the hemarthrosis of the right shoulder occurred only when the vascular access for the dialysis sessions was displaced from the right to the left forearm. It is assumed that there was communication in the venous draining territories of the arterio-venous fistula and the shoulder articulation.

Acenocoumarol↗
PubMed1977

Tendon calcifications in chondrocalcinosis. A clinical, radiologic, histologic, and crystallographic study.

Fine linear extraarticular calcium deposits were found in X-rays of 7 of 52 patients with articular chondrocalcinosis (ACC). Seven Achilles tendons, seven quadriceps tendons, and one plantar fascia were affected. In a control group of comparable age and sex, without ACC but with generalized osteoarthritis, no calcifications were found in the tendons. On a biopsy specimen of Achilles tendon with such calcium deposits, X-ray diffraction showed that they had the characteristics of calcium pyrophosphate dilhydrate. Isolated small foci of crystals were observed on some segments of tendon bundles. The presence of fine linear calcifications on X-rays of the Achilles or quadriceps tendons may be a useful aid in the radiologic diagnosis of so-called articular chondrocalcinosis.

Achilles Tendon↗
PubMed1977

The painful heel. Comparative study in rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Reiter's syndrome, and generalized osteoarthrosis.

This study presents the frequency of severe and mild talalgias in unselected, consecutive patients with rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Reiter's syndrome, and generalized osteoarthosis. Achilles tendinitis and plantar fasciitis caused a severe talalgia and they were observed mainly in males with Reiter's syndrome or ankylosing spondylitis. On the other hand, sub-Achilles bursitis more frequently affected women with rheumatoid arthritis and rarely gave rise to severe talalgias. The simple calcaneal spur was associated with generalized osteoarthrosis and its frequency increased with age. This condition was not related to talalgias. Finally, clinical and radiological involvement of the subtalar and midtarsal joints were observed mainly in rheumatoid arthritis and occasionally caused apes valgoplanus.

Adult↗
PubMed1977

Secondary syphilis revealed by rheumatic complaints.

Six patients (five men and one woman) are described, who consulted rheumatologists with varied rheumatic complaints: four had subacute synovitis with effusion, frequently associated with vague arthralgias; and five of the patients had back pain which was more severe at rest. Most of the patients had some clinical signs of secondary syphilis, such as roseola, loss of hair, or lymphadenopathy, and their serological reactions for lues were strongly positive. Since no other cause for these rheumatic complaints could be found, secondary syphilis was considered responsible for them. In all cases the rheumatic complaints cleared with specific treatment.

Adult↗
PubMed1977

Coexistence of rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis--report of 10 cases.

The distinction between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) has hitherto relied on supporting evidence of characteristic radiological changes in the sacroiliac joints, together with the Rose-Waaler and Latex tests for rheumatoid factor (RF). This distinction has remained incomplete since some 30 per cent of patients with RA may have sacroiliitis, a similar proportion having negative routine tests for RF. The identification of the HLA B27 antigen, present in 90 per cent of cases of AS and six per cent of the normal population, has enabled a number of cases to be recognized in which both diseases appear to co-exist. Ten cases are described in which either RA appears to have developed in patients with AS, or AS in patients with RA. They all fulfil the ARA diagnostic criteria for classical RA, and the criteria for classical AS. The likelihood of these two diseases occurring by chance in an individual might be of the order of 1:50,000 to 1:200,000.

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