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Semin Musculoskelet Radiol 2019; 23(04): 376-391
DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-1693661
Review Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Top-Ten Tips for Effective Imaging of Axial Spondyloarthritis

Monique Reijnierse 
1   Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
,
Iris Eshed
2   Department of Radiology, Sheba Medical Center, affiliated with the Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
,
Floris van Gaalen
3   Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
11 September 2019 (online)

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Abstract

Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is a chronic inflammatory condition that encompasses ankylosing spondylitis as well as nonradiographic axSpA and can lead to chronic pain, structural damage, and disability. The disease is strongly associated with the presence of human leukocyte antigen-B27. Early diagnosis of axSpA is significant due to new treatment regimens leading to reduction of inflammation and potentially delaying disease progression. Imaging of the sacroiliac joints and the spine plays an important role in the early diagnosis of spondyloarthritis. In the current review, the top-ten tips for the effective imaging of axSpA are presented to help both radiologists and rheumatologists in using imaging properly and effectively in their clinical practice.

Keywords

axial spondyloarthritis - MRI - spine - radiographs - inflammation
 

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