Count of B-lines: A Matter with Persistent Limitations

We were delighted to read the letter by Killian, et al, which challenges the use of the terms primary and secondary human Sjögren syndrome (SS) even in experimental animal models of SS1 These terms were coined almost 40 years ago on the basis of a study that revealed clinical, immunologic, and genetic differences among patients expressing sicca manifestations alone and patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and SS.

[1]  F. Batteux,et al.  The MRL/lpr Mouse Model: An Important Animal Model for Systemic Sjögren Syndrome and Polyautoimmunity , 2020, The Journal of Rheumatology.

[2]  A. Iagnocco,et al.  Ultrasound in the Assessment of Interstitial Lung Disease in Systemic Sclerosis: A Systematic Literature Review by the OMERACT Ultrasound Group , 2019, The Journal of Rheumatology.

[3]  H. Moutsopoulos,et al.  Primary versus Secondary Sjögren Syndrome: Is It Time To Reconsider These Terms? , 2019, The Journal of Rheumatology.

[4]  M. Sperandeo,et al.  Video-assisted thoracic surgery ultrasound (VATS-US) in the evaluation of subpleural disease: preliminary report of a systematic study , 2019, Journal of Ultrasound.

[5]  M. Sperandeo,et al.  Lung Fissures Detection With Transthoracic Ultrasound: Is It Simply a Matter of Artifacts? , 2018, Chest.

[6]  H. Moutsopoulos,et al.  Predicting the risk for lymphoma development in Sjogren syndrome , 2016, Medicine.

[7]  C. Zoccali,et al.  Subclinical pulmonary congestion is prevalent in nephrotic syndrome. , 2016, Kidney international.

[8]  Jian Li,et al.  Lung ultrasonography for the diagnosis of 11 patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome due to bird flu H7N9 infection , 2015, Virology Journal.

[9]  A. Varriale,et al.  Ultrasound signs of pulmonary fibrosis in systemic sclerosis as timely indicators for chest computed tomography , 2015, Scandinavian journal of rheumatology.

[10]  F. Cavaliere,et al.  Ultrasound artifacts mimicking pleural sliding after pneumonectomy. , 2014, Journal of clinical anesthesia.

[11]  Guglielmo M. Trovato,et al.  Transthoracic ultrasound in the assessment of pleural and pulmonary diseases: use and limitations , 2014, La radiologia medica.

[12]  A. Tzioufas,et al.  Clinically significant renal involvement in primary Sjögren's syndrome: clinical presentation and outcome. , 2013, Arthritis and rheumatism.

[13]  M. Dalakas,et al.  Peripheral neuropathies in Sjögren's syndrome: a critical update on clinical features and pathogenetic mechanisms. , 2012, Journal of autoimmunity.

[14]  T. Lavoie,et al.  Current Concepts: Mouse Models of Sjögren's Syndrome , 2010, Journal of biomedicine & biotechnology.

[15]  G. Soldati,et al.  Ultrasound pattern in pulmonary fibrosis: have the vertical artifacts disappeared? , 2010, Ultrasound in medicine & biology.

[16]  A. Varriale,et al.  RESPONSE TO PLEURO-PULMONARY US EXAMINATION ARTIFACTS: ERROR IN IMAGES , 2010 .

[17]  H. Moutsopoulos,et al.  Conventional Therapy of Sjogren’s Syndrome , 2007, Clinical reviews in allergy & immunology.

[18]  J. Ioannidis,et al.  Clinical evolution, and morbidity and mortality of primary Sjögren's syndrome. , 2000, Seminars in arthritis and rheumatism.

[19]  N. Copeland,et al.  Lymphoproliferation disorder in mice explained by defects in Fas antigen that mediates apoptosis , 1992, Nature.

[20]  H. Moutsopoulos,et al.  Immune complex glomerulonephritis in sicca syndrome. , 1978, The American journal of medicine.

[21]  D. Simpson,et al.  Gas at abdominal US: appearance, relevance, and analysis of artifacts. , 1999, Radiology.