Review Article

The role of imaging in rheumatoid arthritis

Kgomotso Kgoebane, Mahmood M.T.M. Ally, Martha C. Duim-Beytell, Farhana E. Suleman
South African Journal of Radiology | Vol 22, No 1 | a1316 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/sajr.v22i1.1316 | © 2018 Kgomotso Kgoebane, Mahmood MTM Ally, Martha C. Duim-Beytell, Farhana E. Suleman | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 07 February 2018 | Published: 11 July 2018

About the author(s)

Kgomotso Kgoebane, Department of Radiology, University of Pretoria, South Africa
Mahmood M.T.M. Ally, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Pretoria, South Africa
Martha C. Duim-Beytell, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Pretoria, South Africa
Farhana E. Suleman, Department of Radiology, University of Pretoria, South Africa

Abstract

Conventional radiographs of the hands and feet have traditionally been used in the diagnosis, management and monitoring of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, they are not sensitive enough to detect changes early in the disease process. Erosions may only be visible up to two years after the onset of disease, and soft tissue involvement may not be detected at all. Early diagnosis can also be made challenging as markers such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein may be normal in up to 20% – 25% of cases. The latest classification criteria (American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism [ACR/EULAR] Rheumatoid Arthritis Classification criteria 2010), often used to diagnose RA, incorporate the role of ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging detection of synovitis, enabling earlier diagnosis and correct classification of patients. This article looks at the role of the various imaging modalities used in the diagnosis and management of RA.


Keywords

rheumatoid arthritis; ultrasound; MRI; bone marrow oedema; synovitis; erosions

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Crossref Citations

1. Monitoring of rheumatoid arthritis: a patient survey on disease insight and possible added value of an innovative inflammation monitoring device
Ria Wolkorte, Lieke Heesink, Michelle M. A. Kip, Hendrik Koffijberg, Monique Tabak, Christiane Grünloh
Rheumatology International  vol: 42  issue: 9  first page: 1565  year: 2022  
doi: 10.1007/s00296-021-05026-8