HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Figures Only Full Text Full Text (PDF) CME Test (opens in a new window) Submit a response Alert me when this article is cited Alert me when eLetters are posted Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Sommer, O. J. Articles by Stiskal, M. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Sommer, O. J. Articles by Stiskal, M. Related Collections Magnetic Resonance Imaging Musculoskeletal Radiology

Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Practical Guide to State-of-the-Art Imaging, Image Interpretation, and Clinical Implications¹

¹ From the Departments of Radiology (O.J.S., A.K., H.C., M.B., M.S.) and Rheumatology (V.W.), Hospital Lainz, Wolkersbergenstrasse 1, 1130 Vienna, Austria. Presented as an education exhibit at the 2003 RSNA Scientific Assembly. Received May 17, 2004; revision requested June 9 and received July 19; accepted July 22. All authors have no financial relationships to disclose. Address correspondence to O.J.S. (e-mail: oliver.sommer{at}wienkav.at).

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic disease of unknown origin that predominantly involves synovial tissue. RA affects 0.5%–1.0% of the global population, with females affected more frequently than males. Early diagnosis and initiation of proper therapy help modify the course of the disease and reduce the degree of severe late sequelae. Radiology plays a key role in diagnosis and management of RA. Currently, magnetic resonance imaging is the best imaging modality because it depicts soft-tissue changes and damage to cartilage and bone even better and at an earlier stage than does computed tomography. Ultrasound and conventional radiography are more readily available but cannot show the entire spectrum of the disease. Diagnosis and differential diagnosis are achieved by identifying certain radiologic parameters, which are also used for grading purposes. The disease does not follow a linear course, especially with the early initiation of potent therapy. Knowledge of the imaging findings enables the radiologist to accurately select the most helpful imaging technique. Familiarity with the pathophysiologic mechanisms of RA, the imaging findings, and the grading systems and a basic knowledge of therapeutic regimens are prerequisites for a tailored diagnostic approach by the radiologist.

© RSNA, 2005

Abbreviations: RA = rheumatoid arthritis