BackgroundFor decades, X-ray images have been used to help detect rheumatoid arthritis
(RA
) and to monitor for the progression of bone damage. In early RA, however, X-rays may appear normal although the disease is active – making the films useful as a baseline but not much help in getting a timely diagnosis and treatment. Modern imaging techniques, including ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which can reveal early, non-bony signs of RA that are invisible on X-rayObjectivesTo conduct a comparative analysis of the possibility of MRI in RA patients in the early diagnosis of the disease with the data X-ray of hands and feetMethodsThe study included 56 patients with a reliable diagnosis of RA aged from 17 to 66 years, with disease duration from 4 months to 1 year. Verification of the diagnosis of RA was carried out in accordance with the diagnostic APA criteria (1987). The criteria for the selection of patients was the presence of disease activity. Patients were mainly with the II degree of disease activity. All patients underwent radiography of the small joints of the hands and feet, and 28 patients underwent MRI with dominant handsResultsThe study showed certain changes in the structures of the joint based on MRI in the early stages of RA. So, according to MRI of the brushes, it was revealed: thickening of the synovial membrane - in 23 (86%) patients; marginal erosion and subchondral cysts - in 21 (75%) patients; bone erosions - in 25 (90%) patients; phenomena of destruction of the articular cartilage (thinning, ulceration and destruction) - in 16 (57%) patients; effusion to the joints - in 19 (68%) patients and tenosynovitis - in 18 (64%) patients. In turn, the radiological data of the hands and feet showed that erosive arthritis was found in 23 (41%) patients and marginal erosions - in 22 (39%) patientsConclusionThus, MRI of the hands plays an important role in the early diagnosis of RA, since it allows visualizing the characteristic changes in all joint structures in RA. MRI is a highly effective diagnostic method in diagnosis of RA, which in combination with other methods of research helps to establish the diagnosis at an early stage diseases and timely appointment of adequate basic treatment unlike radiographyReferences[1] Klarlund M, Ostergaard M, Jensen KE, Madsen JL, Skjodt H, Lorenzen I. Magnetic resonance imaging, radiography, and scintigraphy of the finger joints: one year follow up of patients with early arthritis—the TIRA group. Ann Rheum Dis2000; 59:521 –528[2] McQueen FM, Stewart N, Crabbe J, et al. Magnetic resonance imaging of the wrist in early rheumatoid arthritis reveals a high prevalence of erosions at four months after symptom onset. Ann Rheum Dis1998; 57:350 –356Disclosure of InterestsNone declared
