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Semin Musculoskelet Radiol 2018; 22(02): 127-146
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1639474
Review Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Rheumatoid Arthritis: Peripheral Joints and Spine

Monique Reijnierse
1   Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
,
Annette van der Helm-Mil
2   Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
,
Iris Eshed
3   Department of Radiology, Sheba Medical Center, affiliated with the Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
,
Claudia Schueller-Weidekamm
4   Division of Neuroradiology and Musculoskeletal Radiology, Department of Biomedical Imaging und Image-guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna/Vienna General Hospital, Vienna, Austria
› Author Affiliations
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Publication Date:
19 April 2018 (online)

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Abstract

Both the fields of rheumatology and radiology are changing rapidly. Effective medication has become available for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and transformed it from a progressive disabling disease into a chronic disease. Indications for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have changed accordingly, shifting toward early detection. There is also an overall increased clinical demand for high-end imaging. Together with improvement of MRI units and sequences, MRI protocols are adapted based on clinical indications. This article addresses (1) the clinical background and present role of MRI in early disease detection, (2) RA involvement of peripheral joints, (3) RA involvement of the spine, and (4) state-of-the-art RA MRI protocols. The key toward cost-effective MRI examination in RA is communication between radiologist and rheumatologist as well as awareness and knowledge of the basics and advancements in both fields.

Keywords

rheumatoid arthritis - magnetic resonance imaging - joints - spine - inflammation