PURPOSE: To assess the value of Fournie's radiological criteria "fingers and toes" in the early diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 47 patients with psoriatic arthritis were studied retrospectively. Clinical and radiological features at the hands and fingers were assessed. Radiographic analysis was performed using Fournie's criteria. RESULTS: Of 47 patients studied, 25 patients developed hand and finger involvement. Asymmetrical joint distribution was observed in 76% of cases. Distal interphalangeal arthritis was noted in 60% of cases. Nail lesions were present in 11 cases and dactylitis in 3 cases. Eight patients had erosions of the distal interphalangeal joints. Osteolysis with pencil-in-cup deformity was noted in 3 cases. Ankylosis of interphalangeal joints was found in 7 cases and acro-osteolysis in 3 cases. CONCLUSION: Psoriatic arthritis frequently affects the small joints of the hands and fingers. Asymmetrical and distal interphalangeal joint involvement are a characteristic feature of this arthropathy. Some radiological lesions are suggestive and contribute to the early diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis.
PURPOSE: To assess the value of Fournie's radiological criteria "fingers and toes" in the early diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 47 patients with psoriatic arthritis were studied retrospectively. Clinical and radiological features at the hands and fingers were assessed. Radiographic analysis was performed using Fournie's criteria. RESULTS: Of 47 patients studied, 25 patients developed hand and finger involvement. Asymmetrical joint distribution was observed in 76% of cases. Distal interphalangeal arthritis was noted in 60% of cases. Nail lesions were present in 11 cases and dactylitis in 3 cases. Eight patients had erosions of the distal interphalangeal joints. Osteolysis with pencil-in-cup deformity was noted in 3 cases. Ankylosis of interphalangeal joints was found in 7 cases and acro-osteolysis in 3 cases. CONCLUSION:Psoriatic arthritis frequently affects the small joints of the hands and fingers. Asymmetrical and distal interphalangeal joint involvement are a characteristic feature of this arthropathy. Some radiological lesions are suggestive and contribute to the early diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis.