Summary
This study aimed to characterize the musculoskeletal (MSK) symptoms in psoriasis patients suspected of having psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and to assess the correlation between these symptoms and clinical and sonographic findings. A total of 203 psoriasis patients with MSK symptoms were evaluated through a multi-step process involving assessment by a physiotherapist, targeted MSK ultrasound, and assessment by a rheumatologist.
Patients classified as PsA showed worse scores on the PsA Impact of Disease and Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy–Fatigue scale compared to those classified as Possible PsA or Not PsA. However, there was no significant difference in the nature, distribution, and duration of MSK symptoms between PsA and Possible/Not PsA groups.
The study found that the intensity of MSK symptoms, rather than their type, duration, or distribution, was associated with PsA among psoriasis patients. Agreement analysis revealed stronger agreement between the rheumatologist and physiotherapist in physical examination, while the lowest levels of agreement were observed between ultrasound and patient, as well as between physiotherapist and ultrasound. The findings suggest that the intensity of MSK symptoms may be a key factor in identifying PsA in psoriasis patients.
