Digital Ischemia for the Rheumatologist, with Tracy Frech, MD

Tracy Frech, MD, MSCI, associate professor of medicine in the Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Department of Medicine, at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, discusses the key findings from her upcoming American College of Rheumatology State-of-the-Art (ACR-SOTA) presentation, “Digital Ischemia for the Rheumatologist.”

The conversation highlights key points related to digital ischemia assessment and management. Frech emphasizes the importance of starting with a thorough physical examination, including pulse palpation, before considering imaging.

When evaluating a patient with digital ischemia, she says it is important to first determine if they have a rheumatic diagnosis, as certain autoantibodies are associated with digital lesions. For example, in scleroderma, specific autoantibodies are linked to digital ulcers. Documenting all serologies during the initial visit is crucial to understanding the autoimmune diseases associated with the patient. Other factors, such as a history of surgical procedures or underlying infections, should also be considered as these comorbidities influence treatment decisions.

Frech underscores the significance of evaluating autoimmune disease markers and understanding comorbidities to tailor treatment effectively and emphasizes the need for prompt assessment, timely intervention, and collaboration within a multidisciplinary care team to optimize patient outcomes.

https://www.hcplive.com/view/tracy-fr...
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