Rheumatic diseases included in the Spondyloarthritides (SpA) group, classified as axial or peripheral, are highly heterogeneous entities. While sharing some similar aspects, they differ from each other by pathogenetic, clinical, and imaging features. Such heterogeneity has been partially clarified in recent years, but a stratification in defined homogeneous subgroups of SpA patients, both inter-diseases and intra-disease is still lacking. Although bio-molecular mechanisms sometimes overlap among different SpAs, clinical presentation and responses to available therapies, in particular those blocking interleukin 23 and 17, besides TNF-alfa, and more recently to JAK inhibitors, can be widely different between individual patients. Moreover, imaging techniques may show different pictures while evaluating the same disease involvement e.g., axial psoriatic arthritis (PsA) has well-known peculiar imaging features compared to ankylosing spondylitis (AS).
In this Research Topic, we aim to deeply characterize the heterogeneity of SpA. Starting from genetic predisposition and pathogenetic mechanisms, we would like to explore the variegated world of SpA, highlighting underlying similarities and differences, including clinical features. It would also be useful to explore how imaging techniques are applied to define such heterogeneity of SpA.
Accordingly, this Research Topic aims to address to the following topics related to SpA heterogeneity:
1. Genetic, pathogenetic, and molecular mechanisms underlying different clinical entities included in SpA
2. Clinical manifestations of SpA
3. Imaging techniques applied to overcome SpA heterogeneity and definition of subgroups with a particular aim, among others, to a better clarification of the different types of axial and/or peripheral involvement, patterns of radiographic progression, and magnetic resonance relevance
4. How common mechanisms can influence therapeutic decision
5. Treatment strategy
Rheumatic diseases included in the Spondyloarthritides (SpA) group, classified as axial or peripheral, are highly heterogeneous entities. While sharing some similar aspects, they differ from each other by pathogenetic, clinical, and imaging features. Such heterogeneity has been partially clarified in recent years, but a stratification in defined homogeneous subgroups of SpA patients, both inter-diseases and intra-disease is still lacking. Although bio-molecular mechanisms sometimes overlap among different SpAs, clinical presentation and responses to available therapies, in particular those blocking interleukin 23 and 17, besides TNF-alfa, and more recently to JAK inhibitors, can be widely different between individual patients. Moreover, imaging techniques may show different pictures while evaluating the same disease involvement e.g., axial psoriatic arthritis (PsA) has well-known peculiar imaging features compared to ankylosing spondylitis (AS).
In this Research Topic, we aim to deeply characterize the heterogeneity of SpA. Starting from genetic predisposition and pathogenetic mechanisms, we would like to explore the variegated world of SpA, highlighting underlying similarities and differences, including clinical features. It would also be useful to explore how imaging techniques are applied to define such heterogeneity of SpA.
Accordingly, this Research Topic aims to address to the following topics related to SpA heterogeneity:
1. Genetic, pathogenetic, and molecular mechanisms underlying different clinical entities included in SpA
2. Clinical manifestations of SpA
3. Imaging techniques applied to overcome SpA heterogeneity and definition of subgroups with a particular aim, among others, to a better clarification of the different types of axial and/or peripheral involvement, patterns of radiographic progression, and magnetic resonance relevance
4. How common mechanisms can influence therapeutic decision
5. Treatment strategy