Ultrasonography supplements clinical exam to improve early rheumatoid arthritis disease activity monitoring in metatarsophalangeal joints

ConclusionClinical swelling and PD are highly specific for active inflammation in the MTPJs. US supplemented CE by allowing observation of subclinical inflammation and structural damage.Key Points• Ultrasonography detected many subclinical synovial inflammations in metatarsophalangeal joints (MTPJs), many confirmed by MRI• Ultrasonography may best be used clinically to supplement clinical examination by assessing non-swollen joints• Ultrasonography provided quick method of visualizing bone erosions that were grade ≥ 2 on MRI
Source: Clinical Rheumatology - Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research