Evidence of significant radiographic damage in rheumatoid arthritis within the first 2 years of disease.
Quantitative radiographic scores for joint space narrowing erosion, and malalignment in the hands and wrists of 200 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were significantly correlated with duration of disease. Nonetheless, most of the 42 patients who reported disease for less than 2 years had evidence of radiographic damage, including 35 with joint space narrowing, 28 with erosions but only one with malalignment. Significant radiographic damage in the absence of malalignment may be seen in many patients within the first 2 years after presentation of RA.
Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232.
H A
HA
Fuchs
J J
JJ
Kaye
L F
LF
Callahan
E P
EP
Nance
T
T
Pincus
D000367:Age Factors; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008662:Metacarpophalangeal Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D012217:Rheumatoid Factor / Q000378:metabolism; D013997:Time Factors; D014955:Wrist Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging
D012217:Rheumatoid Factor