Is there a preferred method for scoring activity of the spine by magnetic resonance imaging in ankylosing spondylitis?
This report summarizes the discussion during a module update at OMERACT 8 on scoring methods for activity in the spine on magnetic resonance imaging. The conclusion was that the 3 available scoring methods are all very good with respect to discrimination and feasibility: the Ankylosing Spondylitis spine MRI score for activity (ASspiMRI-a), the Berlin method (a modification of the ASspiMRI-a), and the Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada Magnetic Resonance Imaging Index for Assessment of Spinal Inflammation in AS (SPARCC). All 3 methods were judged to be similar with respect to responsiveness and discrimination, although the differences in between-reader intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were judged to be relevant (the SPARCC method provided consistently higher ICC). The Berlin and SPARCC methods were preferred most frequently. The development of a new method combining the best elements of all methods is an additional possibility.
van der Heijde
Désirée
D
Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University Hospital Maastricht and CAPHRI Research Institute, University Maastricht, The Netherlands. d.vanderheijde.kpnplanet.nl
Landewé
Robert
R
Hermann
Kay-Geert
KG
Rudwaleit
Martin
M
Østergaard
Mikkel
M
Oostveen
Ans
A
O'Connor
Phil
P
Maksymowych
Walter P
WP
Lambert
Robert G
RG
Lukas
Cédric
C
Jurik
Anne Grethe
AG
Boers
Maarten
M
Baraliakos
Xenofon
X
Braun
Jürgen
J
D003287:Contrast Media; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D015588:Observer Variation; D010000:Osteitis / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012446:Sacroiliac Joint / Q000473:pathology*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013167:Spondylitis, Ankylosing / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology*
D003287:Contrast Media