Imaging in Rheumatic Immune-related Adverse Events

Abstract

Since their introduction, immune checkpoint inhibitors have revolutionized cancer treatment by harnessing the body's own immune system as a defense against tumor growth. The downside of activating the immune system is the development of immune-related adverse events (irAEs), which mimic autoimmune disease of various organ systems. The musculoskeletal system is an uncommon, but substantial one for patients and can lead to long-term pain and disability that affects their quality of life. This review summarizes recent literature on imaging forms utilized for diagnosis and assessing treatment response in rheumatic irAEs.

Keywords: Diagnostic imaging; Immune checkpoint inhibitors; Inflammatory arthritis; Myocarditis; Myositis; Polymyalgia rheumatica; Rheumatic immune-related adverse events; Vasculitis.