Progress in the rheumatic diseases since the year 2000—the dawn
of biologic therapies for immune-mediated conditions—has been
astonishing. As Current Diagnosis and Treatment: Rheumatology now
enters its third edition, we are both invigorated and delighted by the
necessity of updating and often changing radically nearly every chapter. In
addition, we have been compelled to add new chapters that capture emerging
currents in the field.
Among the new chapters in
the third edition are those addressing IgG4-related disease, Whipple
disease, and Paget disease. In acknowledgment of the growing attention to
the lung in rheumatic diseases, we have added chapters on interstitial lung
disease and pulmonary hypertension. As a nod to the increasing utility of
imaging in the practice of rheumatology, we have added thorough chapters on
both musculoskeletal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound.
We have supplemented existing chapters with new sections
when appropriate. To the chapter previously entitled Polymyositis &
Dermatomyositis has been added “Immune-Mediated Necrotizing Myopathy,”
in recognition of new clinical entities in this area (particularly
statin-induced myopathy). Similarly, “Scleroderma Mimickers” has
been added to the chapter on scleroderma.
A
hallmark of previous editions of Current Diagnosis & Treatment:
Rheumatology has been the collaboration with authors from other
specialties and subspecialties whose expertise is essential to practicing
rheumatology well. In the past, we have engaged experts from otolaryngology,
ophthalmology, orthopedics, and endocrinology to write critical chapters.
These are reprised in the third edition, sometimes under different titles
(and/or new authors), eg, Immune-Mediated Inner Ear Disease, Inflammatory
Diseases of the Eye for Rheumatologists, Osteonecrosis, and
Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteoporosis. In this edition, we continue this
tradition with Neurology for the Rheumatologist. In further acknowledgment
of the need to collaborate effectively with other specialties, we
commissioned a chapter on Perioperative Management of the Patient with
Rheumatic Disease.
This third edition is
illustrated much more thoroughly than its predecessors with a substantial
full-color insert as well as outstanding, integrated clinical and radiologic
images. As an example, the extensive images shown and described in the
chapter on Musculoskeletal MRI serve as an excellent complement to the
clinical chapters on rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic and reactive arthritis,
ankylosing spondylitis, osteonecrosis, and gout. This edition has 60 color
figures that demonstrate major teaching points.
We
have made these changes while bearing in mind the principal target of this
book: the practicing clinician. The book is a guide to the diagnosis and
management of the complete range of rheumatologic problems encountered in
clinical medicine, from common musculoskeletal complaints to complex,
multiorgan system inflammatory diseases. Practical chapters on the
evaluation of common musculoskeletal symptoms are accompanied by concise,
authoritative reviews of multiorgan system disorders, supplemented by unique
chapters on clinical topics of special interest.
We anticipate that the third edition of Current Diagnosis &
Treatment: Rheumatology will have a broad readership among clinicians:
• Rheumatologists will find the book to be a quick,
reliable, and up-to-date reference.
• The book will prove to be
invaluable for those studying for board certification or recertification in
rheumatology.
• Primary care physicians will appreciate the book's
problem-oriented approach to musculoskeletal symptoms and its emphasis on
the clinical features, laboratory findings, differential diagnosis, and
treatment of specific rheumatic diseases.
• Fellows, house
officers, and medical students will appreciate this engaging introduction to
clinical rheumatology.
We hope that this book will
engage and guide you in the study of the rheumatic diseases.
John B. Imboden, MD
David B. Hellmann, MD, MACP
John H. Stone, MD, MPH