The clinical assessment of joint inflammatory activity in rheumatoid arthritis related to radiological progression.
A simple clinical method for the assessment of joint disease activity is described, and analysed with respect to radiological progression of erosive disease. Ninety-four patients with rheumatoid arthritis attending a special research clinic as part of a prospective study were studied over a three-year period. A significant correlation was found between clinical activity, assessed at intervals of four months, and progressive erosive disease but not with juxta-articular osteoporosis. This clinical method compares favourably with a modification of the articular index described by the Cooperating Clinics of North America.
D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D005528:Foot / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006225:Hand / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D011859:Radiography