Best practice & research. Clinical rheumatology
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Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol · Feb 2005
ReviewImaging in early rheumatoid arthritis: roles of magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasonography, conventional radiography and computed tomography.
Efficient methods for diagnosis, monitoring and prognostication are essential in early rheumatoid arthritis (RA). While conventional X-rays only visualize the late signs of preceding disease activity, there is evidence for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasonography being highly sensitive for early inflammatory and destructive changes in RA joints, and for MRI findings being sensitive to change and of predictive value for future progressive X-ray damage. ⋯ The main focus is on recent advances in MRI and ultrasonography. Suggestions on clinical use and research priorities are provided.