Pannus formation

CAIA DBA/lj t Prominent signs of chronic arthritis with pannus formation, and destructive bone and cartilage erosion, predominately of the distal joints 43,46... 

Chronic inflammation of the synovial tissue lining the joint capsule results in tissue proliferation (pannus formation). Pannus invades cartilage and eventually the bone surface, producing erosions of bone and cartilage and leading to joint destruction. The end results may be loss of joint space, loss of joint motion, bony fusion (ankylosis), joint subluxation, tendon contractures, and chronic deformity. 

Application of 0.1 g into the eyes of rabbits caused moderate conjunctivitis, with exudate and corneal opacity at 72 hours after exposure, they showed severe conjunctivitis, iritis, and diffuse corneal opacities 14 days after exposure, all of the treated eyes had pannus formation and keratoconus. ... 

In its early stages trachoma presents as a chronic follicular conjunctivitis with a predilection for the superior tarsal and bulbar conjunctiva. Over time, the conjunctival reaction becomes papillary in nature and, with the inflammatory infiltration that occurs, the follicular character of the infection can become obscured. Patients experience symptoms of photophobia, tearing, and mucoid or mucopurulent discharge. Limbal edema and superior bulbar conjunctival hyperemia also may occur. Conjunctival follicles that form at the limbus are characteristic of severe trachoma. Primary corneal involvement often includes superior epithelial keratitis and superficial superior pannus formation. A wide variety of corneal infiltrates... 

In serious cases, especially those due to drugs, the mucosae of the mouth, nose, or more rarely the vagina may be involved. At these sites there are erosions, and encrusted lesions. Even the eyes are not spared conjunctivitis and subsequently corneal ulceration and clouding, pannus formation, and scarring with consequent restriction of the movements of the balls are the commonest features. 

The present study supports the use of Cyclosporine A in the management of Pannus in the GSD. Although lesions associated with Pannus were not completely eliminated during therapy with Cyclosporine A within six weeks of treatment and corticosteroids show a better control of initial symptoms (corneal edema, decrease of pannus formation), improvement of ocular lesions was progressive and compared to Dexamethasone treatment the overall assessment of Cyclosporine A treated eyes was significantly better in the Cyclosporine A group. 

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