Rheumatoid arthritis: transarterial microembolization for refractory localized joint inflammation.
You-Chien Lin, Jia-Min Wu, Cheng-Chun Lee et al.
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Case in brief
A 31-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis affecting her elbow, knee, and ankle experienced persistent localized joint pain despite systemic therapy. She underwent selective transarterial microembolization targeting neovascularization, which resulted in decreased hypervascularity on post-embolization angiography. Over 12 months, her pain and function improved, with MRI showing reduced synovial proliferation and edema, while her systemic therapy remained unchanged.
Diagnostic / clinical pearl
Transarterial microembolization may be a beneficial adjunct for managing refractory localized joint inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis, particularly when systemic therapies are insufficient.
Why it matters
This case highlights the potential of targeted interventions like transarterial microembolization in addressing localized symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, warranting further investigation into its efficacy and safety.