Zeitschrift für Rheumatologie
-
Review Comparative Study
[Magnetic resonance tomography and hybrid imaging in rheumatology].
In rheumatologic diseases magnet resonance imaging (MRI) is capable of depicting early inflammatory changes which are frequently missed by other imaging modalities. New MRI protocols and hardware, primarily whole-body MRI and low-field extremity MRI facilitate the use of MRI in rheumatology patients. ⋯ Hybrid imaging modalities, such as MRI-SPECT (single photon mmission tomography) and MRI-PET (positron emission tomography) provide a new level of molecular imaging in rheumatology by adding the advantages of the combined modalities. This article provides an up-to-date overview of new MRI techniques and innovative hybrid imaging modalities and summarizes the first available results of these procedures in rheumatologic applications.