PET/CT in Psoriatic Arthritis
PET/CT in Psoriatic Arthritis
When patients with psoriasis develop joint pain, it is often hard to decide whether or not
 the pain is due to psoriatic arthritis (PsA). At this time, doctors use information from the
 history and physical exam to determine the diagnosis. X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging
 (MRI) and ultrasound have been used to help with the diagnosis but all three have
 limitations. A newer imaging technique, whole body Positron Emission Tomography/Computed
 Tomography (PET/CT) uses the idea that inflammatory cells take up sugar to locate
 inflammation in the body. Because patients with PsA have inflammatory cells in their joints
 and tendons, this type of scan allows the physician to take a picture of the whole body and
 locate inflammation. The investigators have found that some patients with psoriasis (but
 without arthritis) have inflammation in joints and tendons even before the patient has
 symptoms. In this study, the investigators will explore how well PET/CT works for assessing
 inflammation in patients with PsA. This would be a very exciting tool that could be used to
 find and treat inflammation before it causes damage or pain.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Age 18-80,

 -  active psoriatic arthritis (joint or enthesis inflammation)

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Diabetes,

 -  pregnant,

 -  no active PsA