84404 - Rheumatology

Academic Year 2022/2023

  • Moduli: Francesco Ursini (Modulo 1) Jacopo Ciaffi (Modulo 2)
  • Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures (Modulo 1) Traditional lectures (Modulo 2)
  • Campus: Bologna
  • Corso: Single cycle degree programme (LMCU) in Medicine and Surgery (cod. 9210)

Learning outcomes

Describe the clinical manifestations, etiology, epidemiology, risk factors, natural history, diagnosis, staging, prognostic indicators and management of the major rheumatologic diseases, with emphasis on those most commonly encountered in the clinical practice. Identify the major diagnostic and therapeutic options for each encountered clinical scenario, and discuss their benefits and limitations. Demonstrate an understanding of the overlap of rheumatology with other disciplines. Present and critically analyze clinical cases, discuss the differential diagnosis, and formulate appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for each case (Problem-Based Learning).

Course contents

  • Outline of anatomy, histology and physiology of the musculoskeletal system
  • Pathophysiology of rheumatic diseases
  • Semeiotics of inflammatory and non-inflammatory joint diseases
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Axial spondyloarthritis (SpA)
  • Peripheral spondyloarthritis (SpA)
  • Infectious arthritis
  • Crystal-induced arthritis (gout, CPPD)
  • Inflammatory myopathies
  • Polymyalgia rheumatica
  • Connective tissue diseases
  • Adult-onset Still's disease
  • Behcet's disease
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Paget's disease

Readings/Bibliography

  • Johannes WJ Bijlsma, Eric Hachulla. EULAR Textbook on Rheumatic Diseases – Third Edition (2018) ISBN:978-0-7279-1882-6

 

Teaching methods

Theoretical lessons will be conducted in a classroom equipped with multimedia support, with the main use of slides in PowerPoint format. Students will be provided with an electronic version of the slides presented during the lessons.

Attendance to learning activities is mandatory; the minimum attendance requirement to be admitted to the final exam is 60% of lessons.

Assessment methods

The oral exam consists of one or more questions on the program. The number of questions may vary based on the level of preparation and study of the subject highlighted by the student in the answers.

Graduation of the final grade:

  • Insufficient: lack of preparation. Serious and repeated conceptual errors.
  • 18-19: knowledge of the basic concepts without serious gaps. Exposition of concepts and language as a whole acceptable.
  • 20-24: knowledge of the basic concepts without gaps. Ability to analyze and link in partial autonomy. Exposure of discrete concepts and language.
  • 25-29: preparation of good or very good level or even excellent preparation but with inaccuracies in the presentation that compromise the achievement of full marks. Ability to analyze and link independently. Exposure of concepts in the right succession and mastery of the language.
  • 30-30L: full preparation, consolidated and without inaccuracies on the topics covered in the course. Ability to promptly frame the topic. Ability to analyze and connect independently. Concepts in the right succession and full command of the specific language.

Final Grades:

To pass the exam, students will need to reach at least the pass-mark (18/30) in all modules of the I.C. The student will be able to accept or decline the final grades. The grade obtained in a single module will last through the following exam session.

Teaching tools

Theoretical lessons will be conducted in a classroom with multimedia equipment, with the main use of slides in PowerPoint format. Students will be provided with an electronic version of the slides presented during the lessons.

Office hours

See the website of Francesco Ursini

See the website of Jacopo Ciaffi