Increased awareness of the need for early diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis and advances in the ability to effectively treat rheumatoid arthritis have made disease remission and maintenance of function a reality for many patients. However, identification of patients who are at risk for erosive disease remains a challenge. As more is learnt about risk factors for disease severity and the role of imaging techniques such as ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging, the ability to prevent disease progression in the form of joint damage and its attendant deformity and functional limitation will further improve.
Key points
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Increased awareness of the need for early diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis and advances in the ability to effectively treat rheumatoid arthritis have made disease remission and maintenance of function a reality for many patients.
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Imaging plays a significant role in the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, the determination of remission, and follow-up to monitor for progressive joint damage.
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Conventional radiographs of hands and feet remain the most commonly used method to assess joint damage and monitor disease progression in rheumatoid arthritis.
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Ultrasound allows assessment of synovitis, tenosynovitis, enthesitis, and erosions.
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Magnetic resonance imaging has the potential to directly visualize articular hyaline cartilage and to evaluate volume, thickness, morphology, and structural integrity.
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