Subclinical Synovitis Risk Higher in Psoriasis Without Musculoskeletal Involvement

TUESDAY, July 22, 2025 (HealthDay News) — Subclinical synovitis is significantly more common among patients with psoriasis without musculoskeletal involvement than healthy controls, according to a review published online July 16 in JAMA Dermatology.

Shanti Mehta, from the University of Toronto, and colleagues conducted a systematic literature review and meta-analysis to evaluate the prevalence of synovitis on ultrasonograms and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) among patients with psoriasis without musculoskeletal involvement. 

Based on data from 12 studies (1,593 patients with psoriasis, 327 patients with psoriatic arthritis, and 686 healthy controls), the researchers found that synovitis was significantly more likely among patients with psoriasis than controls (risk ratio, 2.55; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.18 to 5.52). Compared with ultrasonography (risk ratio, 2.50; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.10 to 5.67), detection rates were higher with MRI (risk ratio, 6.40; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.87 to 21.95). While not statistically significant, synovitis was more frequent among patients with psoriatic arthritis than those with psoriasis (risk ratio, 0.50; 95 percent confidence interval, 0.13 to 1.87).

“This study suggests that subclinical synovitis is more prevalent among patients with psoriasis without musculoskeletal involvement than healthy controls, suggesting that imaging may help identify those at increased risk of transition to psoriatic arthritis,” the authors write.

One author disclosed ties to AbbVie, Janssen, Novartis, Sandoz, and Amgen.

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