Rheumatic manifestations in inflammatory bowel disease

• Published in: Minerva gastroenterology Vol. 67; no. 1; p. 79
• Main Authors: Finucci, Annacarla, Ditto, Maria Chiara, Parisi, Simone, Borrelli, Richard, Priora, Marta, Realmuto, Cristina, Fusaro, Enrico
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Italy 01.03.2021
• Subjects: Humans; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases - complications; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases - diagnosis; Rheumatic Diseases - etiology
• ISSN: 2724-5365
• DOI: 10.23736/S2724-5985.20.02726-9

Rheumatic manifestations are the most frequent extra-intestinal manifestations (EIMs) in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients, and they are responsible for a relevant reduction of quality of life. IBD is associated with a variety of musculoskeletal manifestations such as arthritis and non-inflammatory pain as well as with metabolic diseases, such as osteoporosis. Different imaging techniques (primarily ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging and X-rays) can help the clinician to correctly identify the nature of manifestations and to treat the patient accordingly. Nowadays, in the setting of IBD-related arthritides, different drugs are available and can be effective on both articular and intestinal involvement. Therefore, a multi-disciplinary approach provides an early diagnosis and a better clinical outcome that can only be given from the recognition and consideration of the different EIMs. As for rheumatic manifestations, namely IBD-related arthritis, an early intervention allows to control disease activity and to prevent structural damage.