Distribution, Pattern of Joint Involvement in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

There are four concepts of distribution of joint and tendon lesions in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE): general distribution, regional distribution, intraarticular distribution, and timeline. Usually, joint lesions in SLE are symmetrically, bilaterally, and multiply distributed. However, the distribution varies from case to case. The distribution of the lesions can be ascertained by using bone scintigraphy and gallium scintigraphy. The distribution of the lesions is very important information for the diagnosis of SLE.