Magnetic resonance Imaging (MRI) in early diagnosis and follow-up of rheumatoid arthritis

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is, because of its inherent excellent soft tissue contrast resolution, a suitable modality for the detailed analysis of soft tissue abnormalities in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Inflammation of joints, tendons and other soft tissues of the musculoskeletal system can be analysed and MRI is regarded as a specialised radiological investigation to detect early forms of RA and to quantify the extent of the disease. Typical findings are subchondral bone marrow oedema, effusions, and the various forms of synovial inflammatory tissue with destruction of the joint capsule, the ligaments, the hyaline cartilage, and the bones. Findings can also be delineated in juxtaarticular bursae and tendon sheaths. Thus, new possibilities are offered to document the progression as well as the regression of RA. However, not all the expectations can be fulfilled with today's technologies because these take up too much time and are very expensive, and also because image interpretation has not yet been satisfactorily standardised.