Dr Izzat A.M. Khanjar
The homegrown Qatar Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Course by the Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) Rheumatology Division has gained regional and international popularity.
The course aims to raise the standard of education in the region by bringing together internationally renowned ‘Eular’ faculty as well as rheumatologists and other healthcare professionals, said Dr Izzat A.M. Khanjar, Senior Consultant, Rheumatology Division, at HMC.
“Although various musculoskeletal ultrasound courses are being held all over the world, including in the Middle East, our course is unique as it is specifically tailored to meet the demands of the practicing rheumatologist, with a special focus on orthopedic subjects and Physiotherapist and Pain Management as well,” he said speaking to media persons.
The 6th Qatar Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Course was held recently in early December and it has seen an increased number which reached to 70 participants who are interested in musculoskeletal ultrasound including rheumatologists, orthopedics, physiotherapists, radiologists, physicians and experts from sport Medicine. The participants included from regional countries and others including Pakistan, India, Philippines, Nigeria and Germany.
Musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging uses sound waves to produce pictures of muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves and joints and Bones throughout the body. It is used to help in three main areas, firstly in diagnose of most of Rheumatic diseases include mainly inflammation and synovitis , tendinopathy sprains, strains, tears, trapped nerves, arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions and secondly in intervention precise necessary procedures and thirdly for monitoring some treatment of inflammatory disease like Rheumatoid arthritis and Psoriatic Arthritis .
“Ultrasound in rheumatology is like stethoscope for other physicians. Due to this importance we are holding the Qatar Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Course for the past six years. This year’s workshop included Ultrasound for Crystal Arthropathy ( Gouty and Pseudogout ) Diseases (only for intermediate-level rheumatologists) , for the first time,” said Dr Khanjar who is also the Qatar Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Course Director.
In the past three years the course has been endorsed by European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR). This intensive three-day course is divided into two levels and the Basic Course is for those who are beginners in the practice or have some experience in musculoskeletal ultrasound. Intermediate Level is for those who already did at least two basic-level courses and are practicing Musculoskeletal ultrasound regularly.
EULAR endorsement is provided for the basic level for the third year and the intermediate level for the second year.
However, According to Dr Khanjar, all levels are certified by the European Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology (EFSUMB) for the fifth year .
Also the first Qatar Cadaveric Musculoskeletal Ultrasound-Guided Procedure Course, which Was held at Aspetar Hospital recently. This hands-on course was limited for 30 participants to improve their skill comparison with ultrasound.
Rheumatology Division at HMC cares for more than 2,000 patients with arthritis and other different rheumatic diseases. however Rheumatic diseases are commonly classified as different type inflammatory and non-inflammatory, with rheumatoid arthritis, reactive arthritis, spondyloarthropathy , crystal arthropathy and connective tissue diseases such as lupus dermatomyositis , sjogren , degenerative joints diseases like osteoarthritis and spine spondylosis, metabolic bone diseases like osteoporosis and osteomalacia and vitamine D deficiency, and vasculitis, and soft tissue rheumatism like fibromyalgia being among the most common rheumatic diseases.
“Rheumatoid diseases can affect almost any part of the body. Most of these conditions happen when the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues. We don’t know for certain why this happens. Sometimes, it is in an affected person’s genes or is caused by other risk factors such as environmental Factors such as cigarette smoke, pollution, or an unhealthy and unbalanced diet in some condition. Gender and age also play a role with more women than men being affected by some rheumatic diseases.
The most common signs and symptoms of inflammatory rheumatic diseases include joint swelling, pain, prolonged early morning stiffness, and painful and decreased range of motion,” said Dr Khanjar.
Regarding treatment for Rheumatic Disease, he said that all modality of treatment are available in HMC according to the disease and condition to all patients regardless of the cost.
