Contemporary imaging of rheumatoid arthritis: Clinical role of ultrasound and MRI

Veena K Ranganath; Hilde B Hammer; Fiona M McQueen

doi:10.1016/j.berh.2020.101593

Contemporary imaging of rheumatoid arthritis: Clinical role of ultrasound and MRI

Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol. 2020 Dec;34(6):101593. doi: 10.1016/j.berh.2020.101593. Epub 2020 Sep 26.

Authors

Veena K Ranganath¹, Hilde B Hammer², Fiona M McQueen³

Affiliations

¹ University of California, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, USA. Electronic address: vranganath@mednet.ucla.edu.
² Diakonhjemmet Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
³ Southern DHB, Southland Hospital, Dunedin, New Zealand.

PMID: 32988757
DOI: 10.1016/j.berh.2020.101593

Abstract

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) are sensitive imaging modalities used by clinicians to assist in decision-making in the management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This review will examine the utility of MRI and MSUS in diagnosing RA, predicting RA flares, tapering therapy, assessing remission, and examining difficult periarticular features. We will also outline the strengths and weaknesses of utilizing MRI and MSUS as outcome measures in the management of RA.

Keywords: Bursitis; Diagnosis; Magnetic resonance imaging; Remission; Rheumatoid arthritis; Ultrasound.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Arthritis, Rheumatoid* / diagnostic imaging
Humans
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Ultrasonography