Ultras ono graphic Evaluation of Rotator Cuff Tendons in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Introduction: To evaluate involvement of rotator cuff tendons in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and compare the ultrasound finding with clinical examination and disease activity. Material and Methods: Full history, thorough clinical examination and ultrasound assessment of rotator cuff and biceps tendons at the level shoulders were done for thirty patients with RA and 20 healthy controls matched by age, sex and body mass index (BMI). This study was performed on patients attended the rheumatology and immunology outpatient clinic, Internal Medicine Department of Kasr Al-Ainy Hospital, Cairo University, during (2011-2013). Results: In our study, the biceps and rotator cuff tendons (except for teres minor which was not included in our study) showed evidence of tendon inflammation and damage in 15 (50%) and 8 (26.7%) of our patients, respectively. Conclusion: The results of current study recommended that long head of biceps and supraspinatus tendons should be included in follow-up of RA patients using the ultrasound.