Recognizing psoriatic arthritis in the dermatology clinic

Dermatologists care for patients with psoriasis in whom there exists an inherent risk of psoriatic arthritis, a condition with potential for causing joint damage and subsequent disability. Most patients have psoriasis for years before the development of psoriatic arthritis, and there may be a significant proportion of psoriasis patients with joint involvement that are cared for by the dermatologist. With the absence of a diagnostic measure, the criterion standard for recognizing or monitoring psoriatic arthritis remains the clinical assessment. Recognition of psoriatic arthritis in the psoriasis patient—and the dermatologist's ability to differentiate it from other types of arthritis—provide an opportunity to improve patient outcomes through early recognition and facilitation of intervention in collaboration with a rheumatologist.Learning objectivesAfter completing this learning activity, participants should be able to recognize the presence of psoriatic arthritis among patients with psoriasis; distinguish psoriatic arthritis from reactive arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis; and use appropriate laboratory and imaging tests in the evaluation of patients with psoriasis and musculoskeletal complaints.