Skip to main content

Advertisement

Log in

Ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging in early rheumatoid arthritis: Recent advances

  • Published:
Current Rheumatology Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Efficient methods for diagnosis, monitoring, and prognostication are essential in early rheumatoid arthritis. Data on the value of ultrasonography and MRI are accumulating rapidly, fueling their increasing use in early rheumatoid arthritis. This review focuses on recent advances in the clinical applications of these imaging modalities.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References and Recommended Reading

  1. Brower AC: Use of the radiograph to measure the course of rheumatoid arthritis. The gold standard versus fool’s gold. Arthritis Rheum 1990, 33:316–324.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  2. McQueen FM, Stewart N, Crabbe J, et al.: Magnetic resonance imaging of the wrist in early rheumatoid arthritis reveals a high prevalence of erosion at four months after symptom onset. Ann Rheum Dis 1998, 57:350–356.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  3. Backhaus M, Kamradt T, Sandrock D, et al.: Arthritis of the.nger joints. A comprehensive approach comparing conventional radiography, scintigraphy, ultrasound, and contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging. Arthritis Rheum 1999, 42:1232–1245.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  4. Klarlund M, Østergaard M, Jensen KE, et al.: Magnetic resonance imaging, radiography, and scintigraphy of the finger joints: one year follow up of patients with early arthritis. Ann Rheum Dis 2000, 59:521–528.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  5. Lindegaard H, VallØ J, Hørslev-Petersen K, et al.: Low field dedicated magnetic resonance imaging in untreated rheumatoid arthritis of recent onset. Ann Rheum Dis 2001, 60:770–776.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  6. Grassi W, Tittarelli E, Pirani O, et al.: Ultrasound examination of metacarpophalangeal joints in rheumatoid arthritis. Scand J Rheumatol 1993, 22:243–247.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  7. Grassi W, Cervini C: Ultrasonography in rheumatology: an evolving technique. Ann Rheum Dis 1998, 57:268–271.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. Newman JS, Laing TJ, McCarthy CJ, et al.: Power Doppler sonography of synovitis: assessment of therapeutic response—preliminary observations. Radiology 1996, 198:582–584.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  9. Szkudlarek M, Court-Payen M, Strandberg C, et al.: Power Doppler ultrasonography for assessment of synovitis in the metacarpophalangeal joints of patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a comparison with dynamic magnetic resonance imaging. Arthritis Rheum 2001, 44:2018–2023.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  10. Hau M, Schultz H, Tony HP, et al.: Evaluation of pannus and vascularization of the metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints in rheumatoid arthritis by high-resolution ultrasound (multidimensional linear array). Arthritis Rheum 1999, 42:2303–2308.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  11. Ferrell WR, Balint PV, Egan CG, et al.: Metacarpophalangeal joints in rheumatoid arthritis: laser Doppler imaging—initial experience. Radiology 2001, 220:257–262.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  12. Qvistgaard E, Rogind H, Torp-Pedersen S, et al.: Quantitative ultrasonography in rheumatoid arthritis: evaluation of inflammation by Doppler technique. Ann Rheum Dis 2001, 60:690–693.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  13. Taylor PC: VEGF and imaging of vessels in rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis Res 2002, 4(Suppl_3):S99–107.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  14. Hau M, Kneitz C, Tony HP, et al.: High resolution ultrasound detects a decrease in pannus vascularisation of small finger joints in patients with rheumatoid arthritis receiving treatment with soluble tumour necrosis factor alpha receptor (etanercept). Ann Rheum Dis 2002, 61:55–58.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  15. Terslev L, Torp-Pedersen S, Qvistgaard E, et al.: Estimation of inflammation by Doppler ultrasound: quantitative changes after intra-articular treatment in rheumatoid arthritis. Ann Rheum Dis 2003, 62:1049–1053.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  16. Naredo E, Bonilla G, Gamero F, et al.: Assessment of inflammatory activity in rheumatoid arthritis: a comparative study of clinical evaluation with grey scale and power Doppler ultrasonography. Ann Rheum Dis 2005, 64:375–381.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  17. Walther M, Harms H, Krenn V, et al.: Correlation of power Doppler sonography with vascularity of synovial tissue of the knee joint in patients with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis Rheum 2001, 44:331–338.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  18. Walther M, Harms H, Krenn V, et al.: Synovial tissue of the hip at power Doppler US: correlation between vascularity and power Doppler US signal. Radiology 2002, 225:225–231.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  19. Backhaus M, Burmester GR, Sandrock D, et al.: Prospective two year follow up study comparing novel and conventional imaging procedures in patients with arthritic finger joints. Ann Rheum Dis 2002, 61:895–904.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  20. Terslev L, Torp-Pedersen S, Savnik A, et al.: Doppler ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging of synovial inflammation of the hand in rheumatoid arthritis: a comparative study. Arthritis Rheum 2003, 48:2434–2441.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  21. Szkudlarek M, Narvestad E, Klarlund M, et al.: Ultrasonography of the metatarsophalangeal joints in rheumatoid arthritis, compared with magnetic resonance imaging, conventional radiography and clinical examination. Arthritis Rheum 2004, 50:2103–2112.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  22. Scheel AK, Hermann KG, Kahler E, et al.: A novel ultrasonographic synovitis scoring system suitable for analyzing flnger joint inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis Rheum 2005, 52:733–743.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  23. Szkudlarek M, Klarlund M, Narvestad E, et al.: Ultrasonography of the metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints in rheumatoid arthritis: a comparison with magnetic resonance imaging, conventional radiography and clinical examination. Arthritis Res Ther 2006, 8:R52. Compares.ndings by US, MRI, and X-ray in RA MCP and PIP joints.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  24. Grassi W, Tittarelli E, Blasetti P, et al.: Finger tendon involvement in rheumatoid arthritis. Evaluation with highfrequency ultrasound. Arthritis Rheum 1995, 38:786–794.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  25. Swen WAA, Jacobs JWG, Hubach PCG, et al.: Comparison of sonography and magnetic resonance imaging for the diagnosis of partial tears of finger extensor tendons in rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatology 2000, 39:55–62.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  26. Grassi W, Filippucci E, Farina A, et al.: Sonographic imaging of tendons. Arthritis Rheum 2000, 43:969–976.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  27. Wakefield RJ, Gibbon WW, Conaghan PG, et al.: The value of sonography in the detection of bone erosions in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis Rheum 2000, 43:2762–2770.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  28. Alarcon GS, Lopez-Ben R, Moreland LW: High-resolution ultrasound for the study of target joints in rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis Rheum 2002, 46:1969–1970.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  29. Hoving JL, Buchbinder R, Hall S, et al.: A comparison of magnetic resonance imaging, sonography, and radiography of the hand in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis. J Rheumatol 2004, 31:663–675.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  30. DØhn UM, Ejbjerg BJ, Court-Payen M, et al.: Are bone erosions detected by magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasonography true erosions? A comparison with computed tomography in rheumatoid arthritis metacarpophalangeal joints. Arthritis Res Ther 2006, 8:R112. Documents that the far majority of radiographically invisible MRI and US bone erosions in MCP joints can be confirmed by CT.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  31. Frediani B, Falsetti P, Storri L, et al.: Ultrasound and clinical evaluation of quadricipital tendon enthesitis in patients with psoriatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Clin Rheumatol 2002, 21:294–298.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  32. Terslev L, Torp-Pedersen S, Qvistgaard E, et al.: Effects of treatment with etanercept (Enbrel, TNRF:Fc) on rheumatoid arthritis evaluated by Doppler ultrasonography. Ann Rheum Dis 2003, 62:178–181.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  33. Ribbens C, Andre B, Marcelis S, et al.: Rheumatoid hand joint synovitis: gray-scale and power Doppler US quantifications following anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha treatment: pilot study. Radiology 2003, 229:562–569.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  34. Taylor PC, Steuer A, Gruber J, et al.: Comparison of ultrasonographic assessment of synovitis and joint vascularity with radiographic evaluation in a randomized, placebocontrolled study of infliximab therapy in early rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis Rheum 2004, 50:1107–1116.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  35. Østergaard M, Szkudlarek M: Ultrasonography—a valid method for assessment of rheumatoid arthritis? [editorial]. Arthritis Rheum 2005, 52:681–686.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  36. Naredo E, Gamero F, Bonilla G, et al.: Ultrasonographic assessment of inflammatory activity in rheumatoid arthritis: comparison of extended versus reduced joint evaluation. Clin Exp Rheumatol 2005, 23:881–884.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  37. Scheel AK, Hermann KG, Ohrndorf S, et al.: Prospective 7 year follow up imaging study comparing radiography, ultrasonography, and magnetic resonance imaging in rheumatoid arthritis.nger joints. Ann Rheum Dis 2006, 65:595–600. The only published long-term follow-up study of US, MRI, and X-ray of arthritic.nger joints.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  38. McQueen FM, Stewart N, Crabbe J, et al.: Magnetic resonance imaging of the wrist in early rheumatoid arthritis reveals progression of erosions despite clinical improvement. Ann Rheum Dis 1999, 58:156–163.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  39. Østergaard M, Hansen M, Stoltenberg M, et al.: Magnetic resonance imaging-determined synovial membrane volume as a marker of disease activity and a predictor of progressive joint destruction in the wrists of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis Rheum 1999, 42:918–929.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  40. Savnik A, Malmskov H, Thomsen HS, et al.: MRI of the wrist and finger joints in inflammatory joint diseases at 1-year interval: MRI features to predict bone erosions. Eur Radiol 2002, 12:1203–1210.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  41. McQueen FM, Benton N, Perry D, et al.: Bone edema scored on magnetic resonance imaging scans of the dominant carpus at presentation predicts radiographic joint damage of the hands and feet six years later in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis Rheum 2003, 48:1814–1827.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  42. Østergaard M, Hansen M, Stoltenberg M, et al.: New radiographic bone erosions in the wrists of patients with rheumatoid arthritis are detectable with magnetic resonance imaging a median of two years earlier. Arthritis Rheum 2003, 48:2128–2131.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  43. Lindegaard HM, Vallo J, Horslev-Petersen K, et al.: Low-cost, low-.eld dedicated extremity MRI in early RA—a 1-year follow-up study. Ann Rheum Dis 2006, Epub ahead of print. Documents that bone erosions detected by a dedicated extremity MRI unit predicts subsequent erosive progression on X-ray in early RA.

  44. Østergaard M, Wiell C: Ultrasonography in rheumatoid arthritis: a very promising method still needing more validation. Curr Opin Rheumatol 2004, 16:223–230.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  45. Balint PV, Kane D, Wilson H, et al.: Ultrasonography of entheseal insertions in the lower limb in spondyloarthropathy. Ann Rheum Dis 2002, 61:905–910.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  46. Szkudlarek M, Court-Payen, Jacobsen S, et al.: Interobserver agreement in ultrasonography of the.nger and toe joints in rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis Rheum 2003, 48:955–962.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  47. Szkudlarek M: Ultrasonography of the.nger and toe joints in rheumatoid arthritis [PhD dissertation]. University of Copenhagen, 2003.

  48. Wakefield RJ, Balint PV, Szkudlarek M, et al.: Musculoskeletal ultrasound including definitions for ultrasonographic pathology. J Rheumatol 2005, 32:2485–2487. Describes the initial steps of OMERACT validation of US measures in RA.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  49. Naredo E, Moller I, Moragues C, et al.: Inter-observer reliability in musculoskeletal ultrasonography: results from a "Teach-the-Teachers" rheumatologist course. Ann Rheum Dis 2005, 65:14–19.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  50. Scheel AK, Schmidt WA, Hermann KG, et al.: Interobserver reliability of rheumatologists performing musculoskeletal ultrasonography: results from a EULAR "Train the trainers" course. Ann Rheum Dis 2005, 64:1043–1049.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  51. Rominger MB, Bernreuter WK, Kenney PJ, et al.: MR imaging of the hands in early rheumatoid arthritis: preliminary results. Radiographics 1993, 13:37–46.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  52. Sugimoto H, Takeda A, Hyodoh K: Early stage rheumatoid arthritis: Prospective study of the effectiveness of MR imaging for diagnosis. Radiology 2000, 216:569–575.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  53. McGonagle D, Conaghan P, O’Connor P, et al.: The relationship between synovitis and bone changes in early untreated rheumatoid arthritis. A controlled magnetic resonance imaging study. Arthritis Rheum 1999, 42:1706–1711.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  54. Ostendorf B, Peters R, Dann P, et al.: Magnetic resonance imaging and miniarthroscopy of metacarpophalangeal joints: sensitive detection of morphologic changes in rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis Rheum 2001, 44:2492–2502.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  55. König H, Sieper J, Wolf KJ: Rheumatoid arthritis: Evaluation of hypervascular and.brous pannus with dynamic MR imaging enhanced with gd-DTPA. Radiology 1990, 176:473–477.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  56. Gaffney K, Cookson J, Blake D, et al.: Quantification of rheumatoid synovitis by magnetic resonance imaging. Arthritis Rheum 1995, 38:1610–1617.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  57. Tamai K, Yamato M, Yamaguchi T, et al.: Dynamic magnetic resonance imaging for the evaluation of synovitis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis Rheum 1994, 8:1151–1157.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  58. Østergaard M, Stoltenberg M, LØvgreen-Nielsen P, et al.: Quantification of synovitis by MRI: correlation between dynamic and static gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging and microscopic and macroscopic signs of synovial inflammation. Magn Reson Imaging 1998, 16:743–754.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  59. Østergaard M, Stoltenberg M, LØvgreen-Nielsen P, et al.: Magnetic resonance imaging-determined synovial membrane and joint effusion volumes in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis: comparison with the macroscopic and microscopic appearance of the synovium. Arthritis Rheum 1997, 40:1856–1867.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  60. Perry D, Stewart N, Benton N, et al.: Detection of erosions in the rheumatoid hand; a comparative study of multidetector computerized tomography versus magnetic resonance scanning. J Rheumatol 2005, 32:256–267. Finds a high agreement between MRI and CT for detection of wrist bone erosions in established RA.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  61. Østergaard M, Duer A, HØrslev-Petersen K: Can magnetic resonance imaging differentiate undifferentiated arthritis? Arthritis Res Ther 2005, 7:243–245.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  62. Jevtic V, Watt I, Rozman B, et al.: Distinctive radiological features of small hand joints in rheumatoid arthritis and seronegative spondyloarthritis by contrast-enhanced (Gd-DTPA) magnetic resonance imaging. Skeletal Radiol 1995, 24:351–355.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  63. Giovagnoni A, Grassi W, Terilli F, et al.: MRI of the hand in psoriatic and rheumatical arthritis. Eur Radiol 1995, 5:590–595.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  64. Boutry N, Hachulla E, Flipo RM, et al.: MR imaging involvement of the hands in early rheumatoid arthritis: Comparison with systemic lupus erythematosus and primary Sjogren syndrome [abstract]. Eur Radiol 2005, 15(Suppl 1):262.

    Google Scholar 

  65. Duer A, Østergaard M, VallØ J, HØrslev-Petersen K: Value of magnetic resonance imaging and bone scintigraphy in the differential diagnosis of unclassified polyarthritis. Arthritis Rheum 2005, 52:S1842.

    Google Scholar 

  66. Conaghan PG, O’Connor P, McGonagle D, et al.: Elucidation of the relationship between synovitis and bone damage: a randomized magnetic resonance imaging study of individual joints in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis Rheum 2003, 48:64–71.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  67. Tanaka N, Sakahashi H, Ishii S, et al.: Synovial membrane enhancement and bone erosion by magnetic resonance imaging for prediction of radiologic progression in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatol Int 2005, 25:103–107. In this early RA cohort study, MRI was the best predictor of severe radiological progression 10 years later.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  68. Benton N, Stewart N, Crabbe J, et al.: MRI of the wrist in early rheumatoid arthritis can be used to predict functional outcome at 6 years. Ann Rheum Dis 2004, 63:555–561.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  69. Zheng S, Robinson E, Yeoman S, et al.: MRI bone oedema predicts eight year tendon function at the wrist but not the requirement for orthopaedic surgery in rheumatoid arthritis. Ann Rheum Dis 2006, 65:607–611.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  70. McQueen F, Beckley V, Crabbe J, et al.: Magnetic resonance imaging evidence of tendinopathy in early rheumatoid arthritis predicts tendon rupture at six years. Arthritis Rheum 2005, 52:744–751. Describes that MRI evidence of tendinopathy in early RA predicts tendon rupture at 6 years.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  71. Østergaard M, Klarlund M, Lassere M, et al.: Interreader agreement in the assessment of magnetic resonance images of rheumatoid arthritis wrist and finger joints—an international multicenter study. J Rheumatol 2001, 28:1143–1150.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  72. Østergaard M, Conaghan P, O’Connor P, et al.: Reducing costs, duration and invasiveness of magnetic resonance imaging in rheumatoid arthritis by omitting intravenous gadolinium injection—does it affect assessments of synovitis, bone erosions and bone edema? [abstract]. Ann Rheum Dis 2003, 62(Suppl I):67.

    Google Scholar 

  73. Conaghan P, Lassere M, Østergaard M, et al.: OMERACT Rheumatoid Arthritis Magnetic Resonance Imaging Studies. Exercise 4: an international multicenter longitudinal study using the RA-MRI Score. J Rheumatol 2003, 30:1376–1379.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  74. Lassere M, McQueen F, Østergaard M, et al.: OMERACT Rheumatoid Arthritis Magnetic Resonance Imaging Studies. Exercise 3: an international multicenter reliability study using the RA-MRI Score. J Rheumatol 2003, 30:1366–1375.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  75. Østergaard M, Peterfy C, Conaghan P, et al.: OMERACT Rheumatoid Arthritis Magnetic Resonance Imaging Studies. Core set of MRI acquisitions, joint pathology definitions, and the OMERACT RA-MRI scoring system. J Rheumatol 2003, 30:1385–1386.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  76. Haavardsholm EA, Østergaard M, Ejbjerg BJ, et al.: Reliability and sensitivity to change of the OMERACT rheumatoid arthritis magnetic resonance imaging score in a multireader, longitudinal setting. Arthritis Rheum 2005, 52:3860–3867. Documents that very high interreader and intrareader reliablities of OMERACT RAMRIS scoring can be achieved after proper reader training and calibration.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  77. Østergaard M, Edmonds J, McQueen F, et al.: The EULAROMERACT rheumatoid arthritis MRI reference image atlas. Ann Rheum Dis 2005, 64(Suppl 1):i2-i55. This reference image atlas provides a tool for standardized scoring of MR images for inflammatory and destructive changes by comparison with standard reference images.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  78. Boers M, Brooks P, Strand CV, et al.: The OMERACT.lter for Outcome Measures in Rheumatology. J Rheumatol 1998, 25:198–199.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  79. Østergaard M: Magnetic resonance imaging in rheumatoid arthritis. Quantitative methods for assessment of the inflammatory process in peripheral joints. Dan Med Bull 1999, 46:313–344.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  80. Ejbjerg B: Magnetic resonance imaging in rheumatoid arthritis. A study of aspects of joint selection, contrast agent use and type of MRI unit [PhD dissertation]. University of Copenhagen, 2005.

  81. Quinn MA, Conaghan PG, O’Connor PJ, et al.: Very early treatment with infliximab in addition to methotrexate in early, poor-prognosis rheumatoid arthritis reduces magnetic resonance imaging evidence of synovitis and damage, with sustained benefit after infliximab withdrawal: results from a twelve-month randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Arthritis Rheum 2005, 52:27–35. In this randomized placebo-controlled trial, MRI of unilateral MCP joints discriminated better between active and placebo therapy than X-ray of both hands, wrists, and forefeet.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  82. Zikou AK, Argyropoulou MI, Voulgari PV, et al.: Magnetic resonance imaging quantification of hand synovitis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with adalimumab. J Rheumatol 2006, 33:219–223.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  83. Argyropoulou MI, Glatzouni A, Voulgari PV, et al.: Magnetic resonance imaging quantiflcation of hand synovitis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with infliximab. Joint Bone Spine 2005, 72:557–561.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  84. Østergaard M, Duer A, Nielsen H, et al.: Magnetic resonance imaging for accelerated assessment of drug effect and prediction of subsequent radiographic progression in rheumatoid arthritis: a study of patients receiving combined anakinra and methotrexate treatment. Ann Rheum Dis 2005, 64:1503–1506.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  85. Ejbjerg BJ, Vestergaard A, Jacobsen S, et al.: The smallest detectable difference and sensitivity to change of magnetic resonance imaging and radiographic scoring of structural joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis.nger, wrist, and toe joints: a comparison of the OMERACT rheumatoid arthritis magnetic resonance imaging score applied to different joint combinations and the Sharp/van der Heijde radiographic score. Arthritis Rheum 2005, 52:2300–2306. Documents that MRI of unilateral wrist and MCP joints is more sensitive to change in bone erosion than X-ray of both hands, wrists, and feet.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  86. Savnik A, Malmskov H, Thomsen HS, et al.: MRI of the arthritic small joints: comparison of extremity MRI (0.2 T) vs high-.eld MRI (1.5 T). Eur Radiol 2001, 11:1030–1038.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  87. Taouli B, Zaim S, Peterfy CG, et al.: Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Hand and Wrist: Comparison of Three Imaging Techniques. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2004, 182:937–943.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  88. Crues JV, Shellock FG, Dardashti S, et al.: Identification of wrist and metacarpophalangeal joint erosions using a portable magnetic resonance imaging system compared to conventional radiographs. J Rheumatol 2004, 31:676–685.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  89. Ejbjerg BJ, Narvestad E, Jacobsen S, et al.: Optimised, low cost, low.eld dedicated extremity MRI is highly specific and sensitive for synovitis and bone erosions in rheumatoid arthritis wrist and finger joints: comparison with conventional high field MRI and radiography. Ann Rheum Dis 2005, 64:1280–1287.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  90. American College of Rheumatology Extremity Magnetic Resonance Imaging Task Force: Extremity magnetic resonance imaging in rheumatoid arthritis: report of the American College of Rheumatology Extremity Magnetic Resonance Imaging Task Force. Arthritis Rheum 2006, 54:1034–1047.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  91. Ejbjerg BJ, Vestergaard A, Jacobsen S, et al.: Conventional radiography requires a MRI-estimated bone volume loss of 20% to 30% to allow certain detection of bone erosions in rheumatoid arthritis metacarpophalangeal joints. Arthritis Res Ther 2006, 8:R59.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Mikkel Østergaard MD, PhD, DMSc.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Østergaard, M., DØhn, U.M., Ejbjerg, B.J. et al. Ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging in early rheumatoid arthritis: Recent advances. Curr Rheumatol Rep 8, 378–385 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11926-006-0069-4

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11926-006-0069-4

Keywords

Navigation