title: Metacarpophalangeal joints in rheumatoid arthritis: laser Doppler imaging--initial experience.
abstract: Laser Doppler imaging is a noninvasive method yielding a spatial perfusion map. With use of a near-infrared laser, elevated perfusion associated with the metacarpophalangeal joints was detectable in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis. Findings at laser Doppler imaging correlated with pain scores and synovitis detected at ultrasonography, whereas the power Doppler sign (red pixels inside the active green box) did not. Laser Doppler imaging has the potential to help assess soft-tissue inflammation.
authors: Centre for Rheumatic Diseases, University Department of Medicine, Royal Infirmary, Queen Elizabeth Bldg, 10 Alexandra Parade, Glasgow G31 2ER, Scotland. w.ferrell@bio.gla.ac.uk
authors: W R
authors: WR
authors: Ferrell
authors: P V
authors: PV
authors: Balint
authors: C G
authors: CG
authors: Egan
authors: J C
authors: JC
authors: Lockhart
authors: R D
authors: RD
authors: Sturrock
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006225:Hand / Q000098:blood supply*; D006801:Humans; D017078:Laser-Doppler Flowmetry / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008662:Metacarpophalangeal Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement; D012016:Reference Values; D012039:Regional Blood Flow; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D014463:Ultrasonography