Functional magnetic resonance imaging should be included in the evaluation the cervical spine in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the value of functional (flexion) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) suspected of having cervical (C)-spine involvement.


METHODS
Four patients with RA suspected of having C spine involvement, with neurological symptoms and/or signs, and who had normal MRI in neutral position, underwent functional MRI.


RESULTS
In all 4 patients functional MRI provided additional information. Cord compression (3 patients) and angulation of the cord (1 patient) were evident only in this view.


CONCLUSIONS
Functional MRI provided additional information in these patients and may be indicated in patients with RA suspected of having C spine involvement who have a normal MRI study in a neutral position.
Roca
A
A
Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham 35294.
Bernreuter
W K
WK
Alarcón
G S
GS
D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000175:diagnosis*; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011187:Posture; D012016:Reference Values