[US evaluation of the hands and feet in rheumatoid arthritis]

J Radiol. 2010 Jan;91(1 Pt 2):99-110. doi: 10.1016/s0221-0363(10)70015-9.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by progressive damage of synovial-lined joints and variable extra-articular manifestations. Synovitis is usually found in the wrist, metacarpophalangeal, proximal interphalangeal and metatarsophalangeal joints. For these reasons, we believe that ultrasound with power doppler can be used for the detection and monitoring of synovitis with a simplified "hands and feet" protocol. In this article, we will describe this protocol used daily in our institution for early diagnosis and therapeutic management of this disease.

MeSH terms

  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / classification
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / diagnostic imaging*
  • Foot Joints / diagnostic imaging*
  • Hand Joints / diagnostic imaging*
  • Humans
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Synovial Membrane / diagnostic imaging
  • Synovitis / classification
  • Synovitis / diagnostic imaging
  • Transducers
  • Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color / methods*