Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (ARD) is an international peer review journal committed to promoting the highest standards of scientific exchange and education. It covers all aspects of rheumatology, which includes the spectrum of musculoskeletal conditions, arthritic disease, and connective tissue disorders. ARD publishes basic, clinical, and translational scientific research. Concise scientific communication is encouraged and peer reviewed proceedings of international meetings are featured. Educational papers include state of the art reviews, "how to" articles and educational cases that focus on problems faced in clinical practice. The journal was first published in 1939 and has an authorative global Editorial Board and a growing international readership.