Macroscopic and Microscopic Intestinal Evidences of Inflammation in Patients With Psoriasic Arthritis

Introduction: Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic, inflammatory condition that primarily affects the skin and joints, with potential involvement of other organs, including intestinal inflammation. Objectives: To assess the presence of both macroscopic and microscopic intestinal changes in patients with PsA and in a control group, in order to identify and characterize intestinal inflammation. Methods: This study included 37 patients with PsA and 10 healthy participants. All underwent colonoscopy and biopsy of four intestinal segments (terminal ileum, ascending colon, sigmoid colon, and rectum) to evaluate both macroscopic and microscopic changes associated with intestinal inflammation. The results. Patients with PsA presented a greater presence of macroscopic alterations of polyps (p<0.00000) and diverticula (p<0.00000), no significant presence of bowel inflammatory bowel (BID), and more microscopic intestinal abnormalities (p<0.00000) in all the intestinal segments investigated. Conclusion. Patients with PsA exhibit minimal macroscopic evidence of microscopic intestinal alterations, with mild and limited involvement, indicative of non-acute, active chronic intestinal inflammation that requires constant control and monitoring.