Ultrasonography vs MRI in Rheumatoid Arthritis Finger Joints
Author Information
Author(s): Szkudlarek Marcin, Klarlund Mette, Narvestad Eva, Court-Payen Michel, Strandberg Charlotte, Jensen Karl E, Thomsen Henrik S, Østergaard Mikkel
Primary Institution: University of Copenhagen
Hypothesis
Can ultrasonography provide information on signs of inflammation and destruction in RA finger joints that is not available with conventional radiography and clinical examination, and comparable to MRI?
Conclusion
Ultrasonography is more sensitive than conventional radiography in assessing bone destruction in RA finger joints and is more sensitive than clinical examination in detecting signs of inflammation.
Supporting Evidence
- Ultrasonography had higher sensitivity and accuracy in detecting signs of inflammation and destruction in RA finger joints than clinical and radiographic examinations.
- Ultrasonography detected signs of synovitis more often in patients with early RA than MRI.
- Ultrasonography revealed joint effusion in 22 out of 433 examined finger joints, while MRI did not detect any.
Takeaway
This study shows that using ultrasound can help doctors find problems in the finger joints of people with rheumatoid arthritis better than regular X-rays or just checking the joints.
Methodology
The study assessed the second to fifth metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints of 40 RA patients and 20 controls using ultrasonography, clinical examination, radiography, and MRI.
Limitations
The study did not include a diverse population and had some technical limitations in imaging methods.
Participant Demographics
Median age of RA patients was 58 years, with a female/male ratio of 4:1.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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