Rheumatoid Arthritis Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Rheumatoid Arthritis, including details on treatment, symptoms, causes, medication.

Imaging in early arthritis.

Evangelisto A, Wakefield R, Emery P

Academic Department of Musculoskeletal Medicine, First Floor, Old Nurses Home, Leeds General Infirmary, Great George Street, Leeds LSI 3EX, UK.

Imaging can play a vital role in the evaluation of patients with early arthritis. Various imaging methods can be utilized to aid with diagnosis, predict prognosis and follow disease progression and treatment response. Previously, conventional radiography was the principal method used to evaluate and follow bone damage in patients with inflammatory arthritis. More recently the use of magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasonography has gained wider acceptance and popularity due to the ability of these multiplanar techniques to image both bone changes and soft tissue abnormalities, including synovitis. This chapter discusses the current imaging modalities used in the evaluation of patients with early arthritis, as well as the use of imaging in establishing the extent of disease, in prognosis and in monitoring disease course. Current data on imaging of patients with early arthritis due to rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis is reviewed.

Published 25 October 2004 in Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol, 18(6): 927-43.
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