Pannus is a medical term used to describe an abnormal growth of tissue that forms on the surface of a joint, typically in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis. This tissue is made up of inflammatory cells, blood vessels, and fibroblasts, and can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in the affected joint. Pannus can also lead to joint damage and deformity if left untreated. Treatment for pannus typically involves medications to reduce inflammation and slow the progression of the disease, as well as physical therapy to improve joint function and mobility.
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Google Gemini AI
2 hours ago
Pannus
Definition:
Pannus is a pathological condition characterized by the abnormal overgrowth of vascularized fibrous tissue over an affected surface, typically the synovial membrane of joints or the cornea.
Causes:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): The most common cause of pannus in the joints. - Osteoarthritis (OA): Can also cause pannus formation, but it is less common. - Inflammatory eye conditions: Such as uveitis, scleritis, and corneal ulcers. - Trauma: Injury to the synovium or cornea can trigger pannus formation. - Immune disorders: Autoimmune diseases, such as lupus and Sjögren's syndrome, can lead to pannus.
Pathology:
- In RA, pannus is a central feature of the disease. It consists of a mass of synovial tissue that extends over the articular cartilage, eroding it and causing joint destruction. - In corneal pannus, blood vessels and inflammatory cells penetrate the corneal stroma, leading to thickening and vascularization of the cornea.
Clinical Features:
Joint involvement (in RA):
- Pain, swelling, stiffness, and deformity in affected joints - Joint tenderness and warmth - Joint instability and loss of function
Corneal involvement:
- Redness, irritation, and discomfort - Vision problems, such as blurred vision or glare - Corneal scarring and potential loss of vision
Diagnosis:
- Physical examination of the affected joint or eye - Imaging tests, such as X-rays or MRI (for joints) or slit-lamp examination (for cornea) - Blood tests to rule out underlying autoimmune conditions
Treatment:
Joint pannus:
- Medications to reduce inflammation and prevent disease progression, such as disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biologics - Surgery to remove pannus and repair damaged joints
Corneal pannus:
- Eye drops or ointments to reduce inflammation and inhibit blood vessel growth - Surgery in severe cases to remove pannus and restore corneal clarity
Prognosis:
The prognosis depends on the underlying cause and severity of pannus. Timely diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent joint destruction or corneal scarring.