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Diagnostic Value of Low Field Strength Dedicated Extremity Mri and Radiography in the Early Stages of Rheumatoid Arthritis



Najafizadeh SR1 ; Khalvat A1 ; Salehi I2 ; Movasseghi S1 ; Toosi TD1 ; Shahbazi F3
Authors
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Authors Affiliations
  1. 1. Department of Rheumatology, Vali-asr Hospital, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  2. 2. Amir Alam Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  3. 3. Department of Biology, Payame Noor University, Iran

Source: International Medical Journal Published:2015

Abstract

Objective: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of the most common forms of arthritis. Sensitive and reproducible tools for diagnosis and monitoring of disease activity, joint damage and prognostication are essential in the management of the disease. Our aim is to compare non-contrast low field strength dedicated extremity magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with plain radiography in the detection of early-stage joint lesions in rheumatoid arthritis. Design: We performed a process research study on 49 persons in Imam Hospital from 2009 to 2010. Materials and Methods: The wrist and finger joints of 49 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, who fulfilled the criteria of ACR 1987 and had a disease duration of less than 12 months, were examined using MRI and X-ray. Results: There were 43 female and six male patients. Bone erosions were seen in 12 patients (24.5%) using MRI, but X-ray found erosion in only one patient (2%). The difference was statistically significant (P-value <0.003). Joint space narrowing was detected in 18 patients (36.7%) using MRI, but X-ray found narrowing in 10 patients only (20.4%) (P-value < 0.001). Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that low-field strength MRI is as sensitive as high-field MRI and more sensitive than X-ray for detecting early joint lesions in RA. Considering the costs, we can use low-field strength MRI to detect early joint changes in patients with RA. © 2015 Japan Health Sciences University & Japan International Cultural Exchange Foundation.